Over 70% of Early Years and School Age Care settings in Kildare report staff vacancies

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the government to reignite its commitment to Early Years and School Age Care by bringing graduates under the same public pay and conditions as teachers.

The appeal comes as the Dáil reopens and students return to their studies, at a time when staffing challenges continue to impact children’s access to places in Kildare.

According to Pobal, the organisation which administers Early Years and School Age Care programmes, 71% of settings in Kildare reported staff vacancies in the last 12 months.

Commenting on this, Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, said, “Early Years educators play a critical role in young children’s development, yet their pay and conditions tell a completely different story.

"Without significant investment in Budget 2026, talented educators will continue to leave in high numbers and services in Kildare will struggle to fill the vacancies, which will ultimately impact children’s experiences and their outcomes.”

In its Budget 2026 Submission, Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the government to name the date to guarantee pay parity between Early Years and School Age Care graduates and primary school teachers, who are qualified to the same level.

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Educators leaving for better opportunities

The latest data from Pobal shows that 33% of educators in Kildare who left their jobs left the sector entirely, while 13% who left their jobs emigrated.
According to Early Childhood Ireland, low pay and poor conditions is one of the main factors pushing educators and graduates to leave the sector.

“When a significant number of those leaving their roles choose to walk away from the sector entirely or emigrate, it’s a clear warning sign and reflects a system that isn’t valuing its educators,” Ms Byrne said.

“Students across the country are set to start Early Years degrees this month, and we can only hope that they will graduate into a better system where their pay and conditions reflect their instrumental role in young children’s lives,” she continued.

Better pay, better outcomes

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that good working conditions, fair pay and adequate training for Early Years and School Age Care staff are essential in guaranteeing high-quality care and education for young children.

Early Years and School Age Care educators play a pivotal role in young children’s development. Through Early Years education, young children learn essential numeracy and literacy skills through play, while also fostering their language development and social abilities.

According to Ms Byrne, “Early Years education and care isn’t about babysitting. It is the first step in a child’s educational journey before they transition to primary school. Our educators lay the foundation for lifelong learning, which is recognised by the government, so it is only fair that their pay and conditions reflect that.”

“Budget 2026 is a chance for Ireland to start catching up with other countries and finally recognise Early Years as a vital part of the wider education system,” Ms Byrne concluded.