UPDATE: REGISTRATION CRISIS

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE RE-REGISTRATION PROCESS BY TUSLA. DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT THE END OF THIS PAGE.

TUSLA and the DCYA must fix the re-registration crisis.

Many early years services fear they won’t be able to open in January as a result of difficulties re-registering.

Not only will this devastate services, it will impact on educators, parents and children.

It is little wonder that the SIPTU Early Years Survey showed that stress was the third biggest issue for professionals, after low pay and a lack of recognition.

Simply put the sector is under valued, over stretched and stressed out.

That’s why SIPTU has raised re-registration crisis with Minister Zappone and the DCYA.

We have called for services to be supported and facilitated to open their doors in January.

A Lack of Investment?

Ireland and spends just 0.2% of GDP on Early Years compared an EU average of 0.8% or the UNICEF recommended 1%.

This has resulted in low pay for educators, high fees for parents and unsustainable services. It also means under investment in buildings and facilities.

We welcomed the establishment of a new government ‘fund to support the introduction of a Sectoral Employment Order’ for better pay in Budget 2020; it is a big step forward.

But we also need investment in buildings. Indeed SIPTU has previously campaigned for equal access to fire safety grants for private and community services.

It’s time for the Minister, TUSLA and the DCYA to act and support services to stay open.

— -UPDATE — -

Since this update was published there have been significant developments.

Today (27th November 2019), TULSA issued the following circular amending the dates that certain documentation is required. Please confirm all details with your local County Childcare Committee or TUSLA.

Further updates will be posted to the Big Start Facebook page as soon as they are received.

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