Early Childhood Education 22/9/08

Statement by John Carr, General Secretary, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation On Early Childhood Education

22 September 2008

Shocking cutback in Early Childhood Education

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation has condemned the decision to close the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE). The Centre, established to develop educational policy for pre-school children, is to close at the end of the month with the loss of eight jobs.

The Union’s General Secretary, John Carr, said the decision to close the Centre showed the complete lack of commitment by government to early childhood education.

“Earlier this month,” said Carr, “the OECD report Education at a Glance showed Irish spending on pre-school education to be one of the lowest in developed countries. This decision shows whatever luke-warm commitment this government had to early childhood education has gone.”

“Quality early childhood education provides the basis for lifelong learning,” said Carr. “It is also a critical factor in tackling educational disadvantage and upholding children’s rights.” 

He said the work of the Centre was laying the foundation stone for improving Ireland’s abysmal record in pre-school provision. “All this good work has disappeared at the stroke of a pen.”

The CECDE was established in October 2002 by the Minister for Education and Science. Its aim was to develop and co-ordinate early childhood education provision based on the objectives of the White Paper 'Ready to Learn'. It was also to advise the Department of Education and Science on policy issues in this area. Its brief covered children from birth to 6 years of age in a wide variety of settings, including families, nurseries, crèches, playgroups, child minders, preschools and the infant classes of primary schools. The CECDE was informed on Friday last, at close of business, that the Centre is to cease business at the end of September. The staff will have until the end of November to wrap up the operation of the centre and close down. The Centre has a staff of eight.

Mr Carr said the decision should be reversed immediately.

ENDS