Quality Childcare
"Childcare in Ireland was traditionally a fragmented area that evolved in an ad hoc, unplanned way. In the absence of an overarching national or local strategy, childcare services were provided by individuals and organisations in the private, public and community/voluntary sectors, in response to local demand for childcare facilities." - Dublin City Childcare Committee Strategic Plan, 2007-2010.
Due to the changing nature of the working environment, more and more women are returning to the workforce. This in turn has placed a higher demand on childcare places and which led to improved family friendly policies.
Childcare is a child's first experience away from their primary carers - their parents/guardians. It is therefore imperative that the experience is a positive, holistic one.
There are a number of differing approaches to childcare, reflecting different cultures. Many of these are now making their way into the Irish childcare arena.
