Early years education 'will continue to struggle unless staff get pay parity'

The latest data from Pobal shows that one in three (34%) educators who left their job left the sector entirely, while 22% who left their job emigrated. Stock picture: Danny Lawson/PA

Bring early years graduates’ pay and conditions in line with teachers or else talented educators will continue to leave the sector and services will struggle, Early Childhood Ireland has warned.

The advocacy group has called on the Government to guarantee pay parity between early years and school age care graduates and primary school teachers, who are qualified to the same level.

Its appeal comes as the Dáil reopens this week ahead of Budget 2026, and at a time when staffing continues to impact access to childcare places nationwide.

The most recent data from Pobal shows that almost two thirds (63%) of childcare settings reported staff vacancies in the last 12 months.

Early years educators play a critical role in young children’s development, yet their pay and conditions tell a completely different story, said Frances Byrne, director of policy at Early Childhood Ireland.

Without significant investment in Budget 2026, talented educators will continue to leave in high numbers and services will struggle to fill the vacancies, which will ultimately impact children’s experiences and their outcomes. 

According to Early Childhood Ireland, low pay and poor conditions are pushing educators and graduates to leave the sector. The latest data from Pobal shows that one in three (34%) educators who left their job left the sector entirely, while 22% who left their job emigrated.

Ms Byrne said: “When over half of those leaving their roles choose to walk away from the sector entirely or emigrate, it’s a clear warning sign and reflects a system that isn’t valuing its educators.”

“Students across the country are set to start early years degrees this month, and we can only hope that they will graduate into a better system where their pay and conditions reflect their instrumental role in young children’s lives.”

Early years education and care isn’t about “babysitting”, she added. “It is the first step in a child’s educational journey before they transition to primary school. Our educators lay the foundation for lifelong learning, which is recognised by the government, so it is only fair that their pay and conditions reflect that.

“Budget 2026 is a chance for Ireland to start catching up with other countries and finally recognise early years as a vital part of the wider education system.”

Creche waiting lists

Last month, it emerged that about 40,000 children in Ireland remain on a waiting list for a creche place at the end of the summer break.

In Cork alone, 652 children under the age of one were vying for just 15 places available.

In its pre-budget submission, Early Childhood Ireland has urged the Government to name a date to bring pay and conditions for early years and school age care graduates in line with primary school teachers.

It has said such a move would be a “turning point” for the sector in terms of retaining its workforce. Pobal data shows an average staff turnover rate at 25% nationally, but as high as 54% in some areas.

In August, it also emerged that almost 900 childcare providers within the Government’s funding system increased their fees this year.

The Department of Children told the Irish Examiner over 20% of providers had been granted an increase and that the number was higher than the previously reported 850, due to appeals.