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.

According to Pobal, the organisation which administers Early Years and School Age Care programmes, 68% of settings in Cork reported staff vacancies in the last 12 months.

‘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 Cork will struggle to fill the vacancies, which will ultimately impact children’s experiences and their outcomes,’ said Frances Byrne, director of policy at ECI.

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.

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.