'Walk With US' on 27/10/2017
Collaborative action between employers, employees and parents
Taking a stand for our profession because children matter, Parents/guardians matter and early childhood professionals matter
What is the current state in early childhood education and care?
Current government policy in relation to 'quality early childhood education and care' and 'affordable childcare' is resulting in a growing divide among providers, their employees and the parents who use these services.
Recent media reports have highlighted the practice of providers 'deliberately' rising their fees to take advantage of the subsidy being given to parents! There is little or no mention of the rising costs associated with delivering high quality early childhood education and care. This reality is also conveniently omitted from statements by many of our elected representatives.
Minister Katherine Zappone recently said that if she was a childcare worker she would join a union. This is effectively saying that the government will not significantly increase investment in the quality and sustainability of early childhood education and care provision unless they are forced to do so. Affordability for parents will always win out and, while important, this means that members of our profession will continue to be exploited. We cannot and will not accept this.
While previous budgets have taken 'first steps' towards sustainability, professionalisation and affordability, the reality is that our profession is now in crisis and needs substantial investment within a cohesive plan.
Thanks to all those who took part in this day of action. The following outcomes were achieved as a result of this collaboration:
Widespread activism
Engagement with parents, politicians and members of the public means that there is greater awareness of the issues that are negatively impacting on our profession. This awareness forms the seeds of change.
We got a date for a meeting with Minister Zappone. In addition to working with Minister Zappone and her officials towards solutions to our difficulties, we will be giving her a book with all the images and coverage of your actions when we meet with her, .
In the lead up to, and during, the day of action, members of ACP participated in 16 regional and two national radio interviews. The Irish Examiner, Independent and numerous local newspapers covered the event and the issues. Members of our profession engaged with TDs, Senators and Councillors all over the country seeking their support for positive change.
Change is coming and this Day of Action has brought it one step closer. Well done to all involved.
Current government policy in relation to 'quality early childhood education and care' and 'affordable childcare' is resulting in a growing divide among providers, their employees and the parents who use these services.
Recent media reports have highlighted the practice of providers 'deliberately' rising their fees to take advantage of the subsidy being given to parents! There is little or no mention of the rising costs associated with delivering high quality early childhood education and care. This reality is also conveniently omitted from statements by many of our elected representatives.
Minister Katherine Zappone recently said that if she was a childcare worker she would join a union. This is effectively saying that the government will not significantly increase investment in the quality and sustainability of early childhood education and care provision unless they are forced to do so. Affordability for parents will always win out and, while important, this means that members of our profession will continue to be exploited. We cannot and will not accept this.
While previous budgets have taken 'first steps' towards sustainability, professionalisation and affordability, the reality is that our profession is now in crisis and needs substantial investment within a cohesive plan.
Thanks to all those who took part in this day of action. The following outcomes were achieved as a result of this collaboration:
Widespread activism
Engagement with parents, politicians and members of the public means that there is greater awareness of the issues that are negatively impacting on our profession. This awareness forms the seeds of change.
We got a date for a meeting with Minister Zappone. In addition to working with Minister Zappone and her officials towards solutions to our difficulties, we will be giving her a book with all the images and coverage of your actions when we meet with her, .
In the lead up to, and during, the day of action, members of ACP participated in 16 regional and two national radio interviews. The Irish Examiner, Independent and numerous local newspapers covered the event and the issues. Members of our profession engaged with TDs, Senators and Councillors all over the country seeking their support for positive change.
Change is coming and this Day of Action has brought it one step closer. Well done to all involved.
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