Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail Alan Dillion has confirmed he intends to sign a new Employment Order for Early Years Educators and School-Age Practitioners. The Order will revoke the 2024 Order currently in operation for the sector and will commence on 13th October 2025. Download the […]
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Minister Foley announces expansion of the ‘Early Talk Boost’ programme – DCDE Press Release
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley – TD, has announced that a programme which tackles language delay among young children is set to expand this month with the recruitment of up to 50 additional tutors. The Early Talk Boost programme is already helping children in 108 early learning […]
Public Consultation on Legislation and Regulations Governing School-age Childcare launched – DCDE Press Release
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley – TD has today announced the launch of a public consultation on legislation and regulations governing school-age childcare. Read the full press release here: https://brnw.ch/21wVHnF
Minister Foley launches €4.2 million Bia Blasta lunch scheme – DCDE Press Release
The Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley TD today announced the launch of Bia Blasta (Delicious Food), the pre-school nutrition programme, to provide daily lunches for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas. Read the full press release here
Minster Foley welcomes proposed 10% increase to minimum pay rates for ELC and SAC staff – DCDE Press Release
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley – TD, has welcome the new proposals for a 10% increase to minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners. The proposals have been put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which is made up of employer […]
€420,000 for Parent and Toddler Groups – DCDE Press Release
Minister Foley announces more than €420,000 for Parent and Toddler Groups Read the full press release here: https://brnw.ch/21wTy9z
Principles for Engaging in the Arts: A Guide for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Settings – DCDE Press Release
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, and Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, have today launched the ‘Principles for Engaging in the Arts: A Guide for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Settings’. The Principles for Engaging with the Arts are designed to inspire […]
Fee Cap for Services in Core Funding and €390 million in the Scheme – DCDE Press Release
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley – TD today announced details of the new maximum fee cap for early learning and childcare services participating in Core Funding alongside record State funding of €390 million this year for the Scheme. An initial maximum fee cap was put in place […]
Nurturing Skills Website Launched
New online resource now available: www.NurturingSkills.ie We are pleased to share that the new Nurturing Skills website and Learning Hub was officially launched on 24th May at the national conference: Continuing the Journey: Exploring the updated Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. The website has been developed as a central […]
Building Blocks Extension Scheme Announcement – DCDE Press Release
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley – TD has today announced €25 million in funding to deliver 1,500 additional early learning and childcare places. The Building Blocks Extension Scheme will deliver additional capacity by supporting existing private and community early learning and childcare providers to extend their premises. […]