A sector in crisis: the reality of providing early learning and care in Ireland

The reality facing many parents accessing early learning and care service across Ireland this September is either a significant increase in fees or a serious lack of options.

Never has public investment in early learning and care been so high, yet never have providers been so uncertain about their futures.

Despite record investments, many providers are faced with the prospect of closing their doors or pulling out of core funding, which risks dramatically increasing parents’ fees for early learning and care.