The Social Democrats have outlined how, in government, they would begin the process of building a public model of early childhood education and care.<\/p>\n
The party\u2019s Early Years Care and Education policy was launched today by Jennifer Whitmore TD, spokesperson on children, and Cllr Jen Cummins, the Social Democrats\u2019 Dublin South-Central general election candidate.<\/p>\n
Deputy Whitmore said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Social Democrats have a clear goal to establish a public model of early childhood education and care (ECEC), and a pathway to achieve it.<\/p>\n
\u201cOverseen by a National Childcare Agency, this would have the triple benefit of guaranteeing quality early years education and care for children, affordability for parents, and appropriate compensation and benefits for workers in the early years sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would ensure affordability for parents under this model by capping fees at \u20ac250 per child per month. Annual capital investment of \u20ac100 million would be earmarked to add 80 settings, serving approximately 6,000 children per year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe State must recognise that high-quality early childhood education and care is hugely beneficial for the children who participate in it, and that those benefits are lifelong.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere must be a focus on using ECEC funding to disrupt the cycle of poverty and exclusion which exists in many parts of Ireland and ensure every child has the best possible start in life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important to distinguish between a publicly-funded childcare model, which we have in part, and a public model of ECEC. Investing more money in the sector as it is currently structured \u2013 while necessary to make childcare fees affordable for families and to achieve other goals \u2013 will not achieve the long-term results we need.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we are proposing is a major reform and rolling it out will be a 20-year project. It is therefore not something that will be completed in the lifetime of the next government. However, we must make a start now and the Social Democrats are committed to doing so.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking at the policy launch, Cllr Jen Cummins said:<\/p>\n
\u201cIrish parents pay some of the highest costs in the world for childcare. Despite this, a majority of those employed within the sector earn below the Living Wage, with high staff turnover undermining the quality of the service being delivered.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is clear that the current system is not structured in a way that can deliver affordability for parents and sustainability for staff, while ensuring accountability for taxpayers\u2019 money.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe policy we are launching today sets out a clear roadmap to achieving a public model of childcare that works for families; delivers better outcomes for children; and improves pay and working conditions in the sector.\u201d<\/p>\n