News

Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years. EXTENDED DEADLINE!  Have You Heard? Applications for the national award-winning LINC Programme have now been extended until Tuesday, May 26th at 2pm. Fully funded Flexible blended-learning format Become a qualified Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) Eligible for Lead Educator status under the DCDE Qualification Guidelines Additional ECCE capitation funding for […]

Welcome to our weekly childcare newsletter hub! Here, you’ll find the latest news, updates, and expert insights on everything related to childcare. Whether it’s policy changes, industry trends, parenting tips, or resources for childcare professionals, we keep you informed and up to date.  Be sure to check back each week for fresh updates and important

AISTEAR: The reflective cycle of planning and assessing Facilitated by Brenda Lattimore early years educator, manager, & part-time lecturer on the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education ( DCU ) This workshop will present an overview of the everyday cycle of Noticing, Nurturing, Responding, and Reflecting. We will explore how these four elements connect to help

National Conversation on Education: Children’s Creative Spaces Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is inviting children from Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare services across the country to take part in Children’s Creative Spaces celebrating the theme “Where I learn and play”. The aim is to give children the opportunity to express

Always Children First Foundation Tuesday 26th of May, in the office from 1.30pm to 8pm. Limited places available! The Always Children First Foundation training aims to create an awareness of Child Protection and Welfare issues in the Early Years sector. The aim of the training is to help participants understand how to safeguard children and

Communities of Professional Practice Understanding Big Behaviours Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30pm Taking place here in our office. A Communities of Professional Practice helps to embed quality practice in your service, by sharing learning and connecting with others. This practical, evidence-based workshop draws on 30 years of experience, play therapy insights, and the

AIM Information Session for Early Years Providers Are you an Early Learning & Care provider looking to strengthen inclusion within your setting? Join Cavan and Monaghan County Childcare Committees, together with the Better Start AIM Team, for a FREE online information session focused on the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM). This session will provide:✔️ An

Information Session for Parents – Access & Inclusion Model (AIM) Is your child attending preschool or due to start the FREE pre-school programme in September 2025? Do you have any concerns about their development or interactions and feel that additional support in preschool might help? The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is designed to support

National Conversation on Education: The First Five Years and School-Age Childcare Consultation survey As part of the National Conversation on Education, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is undertaking a broad public consultation process on the future of early learning and care, school-age childcare, and childminding. Are you the parent of a child of

  Nurturing Skills Learner Fund 2026   The NSLF will continue in 2026 for educators seeking to upskill for the academic year 2026/2027 commencing autumn 2026. NSLF 2026 applications are expected to open in Mid-March 2026. The NSLF aims to assist early year’s educators to pursue early learning and care (ELC) qualifications at level 7