Call for Government to extend free preschooling for extra year

EARLY CHILDHOOD Ireland has called for the Government’s free one-year preschool scheme to be extended to two years in its pre-budget submission, released today.

The organisation, which represents more than 80 per cent of preschools and creches, said a second year would particularly benefit children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.

“Children with special needs require two years, but there is no way to assess them” because of consultant waiting lists, said the chief executive, Irene Gunning. “If every child received two years, it would not just benefit special children’s needs” but all children because members use a “pedagogy and curriculum designed for younger children”, she said.

The organisation estimates that extending the scheme would cost €157 million. Currently more than 65,000 children take part in the scheme, which covers 15 hours a week over 38 weeks before primary school.

“Bearing in mind the austere times, we still have to do what is right. Research has shown that for every $1 spent on early childhood education, $17 is saved in the long term, with fewer ending up on welfare, in prison and more staying in school,” she said.

Some of the costs could initially be offset if the Department of Education implemented a proposed minimum primary school starting age of five. This would also ensure that children are better equipped to manage socially, emotionally and cognitively in classrooms, the submission argues.

The organisation has also urged the Government not to make any cuts to the scheme, noting a €13 million shortfall among members, many of whom are finding it hard to make ends meet. The submission also seeks professional development days for staff and early-childhood specialists in every county.

Preschools are expected to improve quality, and these measures are essential, according to Ms Gunning, as “we want to move beyond minimum compliance”.