An Overview of Early Childhood Education in Ireland
- By Web Admin
- Published 4 August 2011
The demand for provisions of childcare in Dublin has been on a rise. However, the increasing demand also makes it evident that the care facilities should obviously be of a superior quality. It will not only benefit children but also parents, the employers and the community at large. There has been a drastic change in the structure of the Irish society and its traditional roles. This has been facilitated by a rapid growth of the economy. It has also had an effect on the increasing demand for childcare services to an extent never encountered before.
The benefits of quality childcare services are many. There is no point denying the fact that it contributes immensely to the educational, social and emotional development of the child. There are multiple economic benefits that can be derived from the childcare provisions. Over the years, it has been seen that the absence of appropriate, affordable and accessible childcare services have often made it difficult for parents to pursue employment or related opportunities. In fact, childcare services are themselves a potential area of employment and it is necessary that the opportunities are recognised right away. This will ensure that the sector fulfils its potential.
The Irish Government Policy in this regard attempts to increase the number of facilities that extend such childcare services and also improve the quality of the services so that the entire community can be benefitted out of it. The guidelines set out by the Government act as a framework thus helping the local authorities to formulate the development plans. They can assess the applications that are made by individual service providers and see that they meet the requirements. It is only after thorough assessment, that permission is granted. The service providers need to fulfil the requirements and provide early childhood care and education as directed by the ECCE scheme.
The benefits of quality childcare services are many. There is no point denying the fact that it contributes immensely to the educational, social and emotional development of the child. There are multiple economic benefits that can be derived from the childcare provisions. Over the years, it has been seen that the absence of appropriate, affordable and accessible childcare services have often made it difficult for parents to pursue employment or related opportunities. In fact, childcare services are themselves a potential area of employment and it is necessary that the opportunities are recognised right away. This will ensure that the sector fulfils its potential.
The Irish Government Policy in this regard attempts to increase the number of facilities that extend such childcare services and also improve the quality of the services so that the entire community can be benefitted out of it. The guidelines set out by the Government act as a framework thus helping the local authorities to formulate the development plans. They can assess the applications that are made by individual service providers and see that they meet the requirements. It is only after thorough assessment, that permission is granted. The service providers need to fulfil the requirements and provide early childhood care and education as directed by the ECCE scheme.
