Carlow Kilkenny ACP By Election campaign

On 17th February in excess of 2,500 childhood professionals took part in our national rally outside Leinster House, calling for greater Government investment in the childhood sector. The rally was a huge success with lots of political and media interest and support. It highlighted the increasing pressure services and practitioners are under but also how our government are drastically under funding the early years which is the real reason why parents in Ireland are paying the highest childcare cost in Europe.
At the rally we had many calls from differing politicians and parties promising increased support for children and families but also for the workforce, too, and we feel now is the time to keep the momentum up. A by-election is being held in the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency on 22nd May 2015 and many of the candidates will be calling upon us to vote for them. We as childhood professionals need to make sure they and their parties hear that the Childhood Sector is a big issue that they need to address in meaningful consultations with the sector. To this end we sent out a letter to all services in Carlow and Kilkenny and asked them to copy and hand out to your parents and staff in their service so they too can help advocate for increased supports and funding. The letter outlines 3 main issues that need to be addressed
1. The cost of childcare
2. Supporting the Childcare Worker
3. Supports for children with additional needs
We would encourage providers to use this opportunity to engage with your parents in conversation about the challenges faced by the sector and its workforce as most parents are unaware of our difficulties. Our parents can be great advocates for us and our sector but they need to be made aware of the facts which are outlined in the letter. A campaign of this type relies on everyones support and this email and letter are being sent to all services in Carlow and Kilkenny. Also included in the email is a flyer from Start Strong which reinforces the message we're trying to get across.
We aware lots of people were disappointed they couldn't make the rally in Dublin but here is your opportunity to make your mark on your own doorstep.
At the rally we had many calls from differing politicians and parties promising increased support for children and families but also for the workforce, too, and we feel now is the time to keep the momentum up. A by-election is being held in the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency on 22nd May 2015 and many of the candidates will be calling upon us to vote for them. We as childhood professionals need to make sure they and their parties hear that the Childhood Sector is a big issue that they need to address in meaningful consultations with the sector. To this end we sent out a letter to all services in Carlow and Kilkenny and asked them to copy and hand out to your parents and staff in their service so they too can help advocate for increased supports and funding. The letter outlines 3 main issues that need to be addressed
1. The cost of childcare
2. Supporting the Childcare Worker
3. Supports for children with additional needs
We would encourage providers to use this opportunity to engage with your parents in conversation about the challenges faced by the sector and its workforce as most parents are unaware of our difficulties. Our parents can be great advocates for us and our sector but they need to be made aware of the facts which are outlined in the letter. A campaign of this type relies on everyones support and this email and letter are being sent to all services in Carlow and Kilkenny. Also included in the email is a flyer from Start Strong which reinforces the message we're trying to get across.
We aware lots of people were disappointed they couldn't make the rally in Dublin but here is your opportunity to make your mark on your own doorstep.