MINISTER for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has announced a series of local consultations on early learning and care and school-age childcare in Donegal.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), in partnership with Donegal County Childcare Committee, will host events at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town on Wednesday, April 22 from 6pm to 8pm; Dillon’s Hotel in Letterkenny on Thursday, April 23 from 6pm to 8pm; and the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana on Wednesday, April 29 from 6pm to 8pm.
The initiative forms part of a nationwide series of consultations taking place across the country.
The events will seek views from parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone with an interest in early learning and childcare. Each consultation will run for between 1.5 and two hours.
Participants will be asked to share what is working well and what needs to change, with a focus on identifying priorities for future investment and improvement.
Minister Foley said: “I am keen to hear the views of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone with an interest in early learning and care or school-age childcare.
“I am committed to making early learning and care and school-age childcare affordable, accessible and high-quality.”
Donegal County Childcare Committee manager Amanda Boyle said the organisation works with parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders and providers on a daily basis.
“We know just how transformative early learning and care, and school age childcare can be for children—supporting their learning, development, and overall wellbeing,” she said.
Amanda encouraged people to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of the government’s strategy.
Places are limited and can be booked online at gov.ieLetsTalkEarlyYears