MEMBERS of the Kerry branch of the Association of Childhood Professionals (ACP) met in the Kerry County Childcare Centre in Monavalley on Monday night to have an open forum on the issues facing the industry in the run up to the local elections.
The group, which was formed back in August 2013, met with the Chairperson of the Association of Childhood Professionals Ireland, Marian Quinn, who outlined the purpose of the meeting.
“We discussed issues that affect childhood professionals in terms of their practise, the lack of pay, the difficulties in getting Garda vetting and complying with the regulations as a result,” said MsQuinn.
“Also we spoke of the lack of funding in childcare and the fact that there was €320m taken out of childcare over the past few years at a time when it is desperately needed,” said Ms Quinn.
“We’ve got a postcard campaign for the elections where the key message is ‘quality costs money’ and we’re trying to get that message across to the European and local election candidates,” said Ms Quinn.
To learn more about ACP Ireland see www.acpireland.com
Members of the Kerry Branch of the Association of Childhood Professionals who met on Monday night. Front, from left; Lorraine O’Hanlon, Sharon Griffin (Chairperson), Dionne Comerford, Jane Costello. Back from left; Marian Quinn (National Chairperon ACP), Liz Coleman, Marguerite O’Sullivan, Trish Stuart, Betty Brosnan, Clodagh Moynihan and Kate Guerin. Photo by Dermot Crean
