Hundreds Of Children Are On Long Waitlists For Crèches As Kildare Faces Staffing And Space Shortfalls

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 09:45

By Martin Osborne

The situation is even more strained for 2-3-year-olds, with 611 children on waiting lists and only 80 available spots.

Concerns over a shortage of crèche places in Kildare are being highlighted in the run up to the general election.

According to the latest Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey, there are currently 205 infants under one year old on crèche waiting lists, with only 15 places available.

For children aged 1-2 years, 500 are waiting, yet just 150 places exist.

The situation is even more strained for 2-3-year-olds, with 611 children on waiting lists and only 80 available spots.

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, highlighted that this lack of availability is impacting children’s access to essential early care and education.

Byrne noted that without better pay and conditions for Early Years educators, efforts to expand capacity will fall short.

Kildare’s childcare sector faces a 22.9% staff turnover rate.

She said the government needs to show its commitment to Kildare children and their families by setting a date to bring Early Years and School Age Care graduates into the public pay system.

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