19/01/2024
Urgent 🚨 Call for Support: Strengthening Ireland's Childcare Sector
Dear Public & Government Representatives,
We, the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP), have been in ongoing consultation with the government, tirelessly advocating for the interests of our members and the childcare sector as a whole. Our mission is to ensure that our valued members, who provide an invaluable service to communities across the country, receive the support they desperately need, rather than being burdened with additional challenges.
Through our extensive discussions with government officials and other representative bodies, it has become evident that the proposed changes to the chart of accounts are, regrettably, the best compromise we can expect. While some of our members have expressed a willingness to adapt to these changes, a staggering 75% have voiced their intention not submit these accounts and to leave Core Funding. This overwhelming figure reflects the immense financial and mental pressure they face, pushing them to the brink.
We, as Ireland's largest independent provider body, have a solemn duty to stand resolute and support our members during this critical time. The current situation risks becoming the final straw that breaks the camel's back. We must unite as a collective force to secure a positive outcome for our community.
To that end, we firmly reiterate our essential points, which have been consistently raised and will continue to be at the forefront of our advocacy efforts:
1. Increase Core Funding: An immediate increase in core funding is imperative to sustain the viability of childcare businesses and ensure the provision of quality care for our children.
2. Raise ECCE Funding Rate: The ECCE funding rate must be raised from €69 to €100, aligning it with the true costs of delivering early childhood education.
3. Restore the Title of Educator: Acknowledge and honor the professionalism and expertise of our highly trained workforce by restoring the rightful title of "educator."
4. End the Freeze: Put an end to the ongoing freeze that is strangling providers, surpassing the cost of their operations and further exacerbating the challenges they face in the current economic climate.
5. Streamline Administrative Burdens: Facilitate the reduction of excessive administrative burdens, allowing providers to dedicate their time and resources to the children under their care. This coupled with a financial remuneration for the consistent administration of government schemes. Many providers do not have the staff to cover while they complete this work are doing this out of hours, adding to the stress and frustration of the current state of the system.
6. Ensure Stable Contracts: Cease the command, control, and retrospective changes to the "draft" contracts that providers have entered in good faith. These changes inflict grave consequences on the childcare sector, which predominantly consists of 98% female and 2% male providers, all of whom yearn for stability to focus on their passion for nurturing children.
7. Index-Link Future Funding: Commit to index-link future funding to account for inflation and rising operational costs, guaranteeing the sector's sustainability and growth.
8. Penalty-Free Transition: Allow providers frustrated by the retrospective changes to the contract to leave Core Funding without penalty, respecting their right to make independent decisions in the face of adversity.
9. Fair Commercial Rates: Remove commercial rates imposed on quality education providers, harmonizing their treatment with other nationwide education services.
10. Tax Incentives for Providers: Introduce tax incentives, such as credits or deductions, to alleviate the financial burdens associated with running a childcare business amidst the current economic climate.
11. Meaningful Consultation: Continue engaging with the FECP (Federation of Early Childhood Providers) before implementing changes to policies and procedures that significantly impact providers' businesses. Informed decision-making is crucial for the future of childcare.
12. End the Childcare Insurance Monopoly: We implore the government to step in and dismantle the existing childcare insurance monopoly in Ireland. By incentivizing new businesses and fostering a fairer, more competitive market, we can ensure providers have access to choices that suit their needs.
Rest assured, the FECP will remain the loudest provider voice in the sector, resolutely fighting for a better future for all. We are committed to amplifying the concerns and aspirations of our members, making sure their voices are heard.
We urge you to act swiftly and decisively in addressing these critical issues. The well-being of our children, staff, families, communities and dedicated childcare providers is at stake.
Together, let us create a childcare sector that thrives, serving as a pillar of support for our communities.
Action needs to be taken! We cannot stand idly by and watch these beautiful communities businesses close any longer.
Yours sincerely,
The FECP
