Staff shortages and waiting lists persist in childcare settings in Tipperary
Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the next government to address these challenges faced by the sector
As 8,100 children return to childcare settings in Tipperary after the holidays, staff shortages and stark waiting lists remain nationwide. Early Childhood Ireland is calling on those involved in government formation talks to address these challenges in the forthcoming Programme for Government.
Early Childhood Ireland says the first step to solving the issues around childcare in Tipperary and elsewhere in the country is the government need to set a date to bring Early Years and School Age Care graduates into the public pay system. Staff shortages are largely in part due to the unfair pay in the sector. Childcare professionals are not paid nearly enough for their valued work and that’s something that needs to change.
Recruitment and retention of staff continues to be one of the main issues faced by the organisation’s 152 member settings in Tipperary. The latest available data shows that the average staff turnover stands at 23.8%.
All political parties promised to reduce fees and improve affordability for parents throughout the general election campaign. However, without addressing the staff shortage, these proposals will not be viable.
“We welcome the focus on access to Early Years and School Age Care for all children, but without proper pay and conditions for staff, there simply will not be enough educators available to care for those children,” said Frances Byrne Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland.
The latest Pobal Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey revealed that in Tipperary there are 129 children under the age of 1 on crèche waiting lists and 11 places available for them; 282 children aged 1-2 years on waiting lists and just eight places available; and 447 children aged 2-3 years on waiting lists and 138 places available.
Ms Byrne continued, “Guaranteeing parity of pay and conditions for Early Years and School Age Care graduates will not only offer staff deserved recognition but also go a long way to alleviating the capacity issues in the system, and ultimately support affordability for parents in Tipperary.”