The lesson is that struggling preschool staff want a fair wage

Parents are paying the equivalent of a second mortgage on childcare because state investment is 10% of what is internationally recommended, says Marian Quinn

EARLY childhood education and care will be in the spotlight tomorrow. Childhood professionals across the country will stage a “walk-off” to express their frustration with a lack of government investment in their sector. They will call for a significant change in thinking and resourcing.

As the economy moves towards full employment, parents are in dismay that while they are at work they pay the equivalent of a second mortgage to ensure that their children are well looked after.