Pre-school workers are getting a raw deal on pay

While the free pre-school year, which is available to children born between February 2, 2006, and June 30, 2007, under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, is positive and adds stability to the sector, it needs serious improvement if it is to succeed longer term and it must be off-limits to cuts in the forthcoming budget

Full Article:
http://www.mychildcare.ie/pre_school_workers_get_raw_deal_on_pay.asp

"Free" pre-school costs add up

Parents say ‘optional’ extras should be free but many creches are adamant the scheme doesn’t cover their costs. This week children around the country are starting their free pre-school year in creches, playschools and naíonraí around the country but, judging by the online debate at least, the scheme is the source of some confusion and not a little controversy.

Full article here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/free_pre-school_costs_add_up.asp

New School Term - "Go with the flow"

New School Term - "Go with the flow" says our parenting expert, Marian Byrne.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_going_with_the_flow.asp

Kids that wont sleep?

Kids that will not sleep? Putting the Sleep back Into Bedtime on our site http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_sleepbackintobedtime.asp

Super nannies save the day

DEMAND for the services of nannies has "surged", according to a group which represents childminders.

Bernie Griffiths, of Childminding Ireland, said: "We are getting calls from single parents who need help around the clock, working parents who are working longer hours, parents who are having to travel further for work and those who want a more economical deal."

She said the biggest market for nannies was in Dublin, where in-house carers may prove more cost-effective than creches, followed by rural areas of Waterford and Cork.

"We are certain we will see interest from those affected by the recession, people who opt to change their career," said Ms Griffiths.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/super_nannies_save_the_day.asp

Bill to vet childcare workers due by end of year

Bill to vet childcare workers due by end of year.

MINISTER FOR Children Barry Andrews says he will bring legislative proposals to Government by the end of the year to vet people who work with children for their suitability.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) complained last week that the continued absence of the promised National Vetting Bureau Bill was having a hugely negative impact on organisations working with children.


http://www.mychildcare.ie/bill_to_vet_childcare_workers.asp

Coming back from the tantrum meltdown!

There is much written about tantrums and children. What are they? Why do they happen? What should a parent do before, during and after? We are to understand, predict and avoid, and if it does happen remain cool, calm and collected. Read our parent coach's article here on MyChildcare.ie

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_tantrums.asp