Been reflecting on what the Taoiseach said about childcare supports for frontline workers on #Rtept last night. That the government will ‘be asking them, getting them essentially’ in reference to ‘childcare workers’ as ‘we’re paying their salaries at the moment’ 1/8

Staff in our sector are not ‘childcare workers’. They are professionals, many with degrees, as high as Masters. When any CPD is provided to our sector, it is very often over-subscribed, such is the appetite for learning & improvement. Such is the dedication 2/8

In relation to re-opening schools, the Taoiseach referenced that nothing would proceed (quite rightly) without consulting with teachers & their unions. The early years and school-age sector has not been consulted by government about any proposed frontline support scheme 3/8

. @EarlyChildhdIrl consulted our members:34% replied (am told this is high for a survey) 50% said they were available. Others are already busy with #Covid19 responses, incl cooking meals for families in their area,or are directly involved in caring for their parents or others 4/8

There were quite a few concerns about any proposed initiative, incl: provision of PPE for childcare workers & advice on using same; access to #Covid19 testing; insurance cover; deep cleaning of childcare facilities, if used – 75% preferred this instead of a home-based option 5/8

For the first time, our dedicated professionals are receiving their wages from the public purse, in line with others in the rest of the education sector. @EarlyChildhdIrl is already urging the government to leave this in place after this dreadful public health crisis is over 6/8

If this departure is to be meaningful though, it will need to be accompanied by the same level of respect that others whose salaries are paid by the state, receive. This can be achieved by meaningful consultation & start with the appropriate language about staff 7/8

The people who care for and educate the babies and children in @EarlyChildhdIrl member crèches, pre-schools and after-schools deserve to be valued. In recognition of the important role they play in our society. We are proud of them every single day 8/