Sarah O’Leary & Michele Akerlind Sarah O Leary and Michele Akerlind are the co-founders of the three Cheeky Cherubs Early Years Schools This is the third in a four-part series of letters addressed to new Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Roderic O’Gorman, on the future of childcare in Ireland. This morning we hear from a childcare service provider.Congratulations on your appointment as Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration.
Over the past 15 years, we have experienced many challenges as well as celebrated many achievements as we try to balance the welfare and rights of children through our award-winning approach while also sustaining a viable business. As a result of this under-investment, educators are often working for a lot less than their worth and providers are having to make choices between paying their bills or increasing wages.The overheads and regulatory requirements often take priority. Without government interventions many childcare providers will continue to go out of business, which will result in parents being unable to go to work, undermining the restoration of the Irish economy.
Investment in the early years has long term financial and societal benefits, supporting a person to reach their potential regardless of their possible disadvantages.