Guest Speakers to include

• Deputy Robert Troy, FF Spokesperson on Childcare

• Denise Keane, Dietician/Nutritionist on  Healthy Diet for Infants and Toddlers

Just a reminder of a Childcare Seminar I will be hosting at Ryston, Newbridge, starting 7.30pm. The cost of childcare poses an unbearable burden on young families in Co Kildare, representing between 15-20% average industrial wage (€35,000) for one child and circa 30-40% average industrial wage for two children, with very little relief for working families. Establishing accessible and affordable childcare further encourages equal labour force participation of women and men whilst reducing the overall cost burden of childcare for working families.

Ireland has the highest childcare costs in the European Union. Childcare costs in the EU draw 12% of a family’s income on average, whilst in Ireland it accounts for 35% – that’s a massive gap, an horrendous pressure on the family income which may also be meeting mortgage or accommodation payments.

OECD figures suggest that going out to work is not a viable option for many parents, particularly mothers of young children in Ireland. Statistically, only 52% of women with children aged 4-5 years old are in employment, compared to 86% which accounts for women without children.

Our investment in Ireland in Early Years Education is low by international standards.   Effective early childhood care and education has a significant role to play in improving outcomes for children, in their future education, development and overall well-being. Even more so for children who are faced with barriers to learning, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for later intervention.

With my background in education, I know full well how important the formative early learning years are. Children must have access to an effective early childhood system, irrespective of background or ability and often, we are dependent on excellent community services provided by centres such as The Family Resource Centre in Dara Park, Newbridge, which offer subsidised childcare and free pre-school courses under the ECCE scheme.

Guest Speaker, Deputy Robert Troy  

Robert Troy, spokesperson for FF on Childcare, will address the meeting and discuss the Party’s manifesto on improving and broadening the Free Childcare Scheme, along with the low rates of pay for qualified professionals working within the Childcare Sector.

Rates of pay vary within the profession, with statistics showing that FETAC qualified staff, earn from €9 per hour up to €14 for preschool leaders whilst the range of pay for employees with a Level 7 qualification varies from €9-16 for most positions (ECI 2012).  Montessori Alliance (2013) found that 44% of respondents were earning under €10 per hour.

Denise Keane, Qualified Nutritionist 

Denise Keane, a qualified Nutritional Therapist, mother, wife and Paleo speaker. What is “Paleo” I hear you ask? “The Paleo diet is quite simply a modern version of the diet used by our ancestors. It is a simple, easy way to achieve weight loss and to prevent the development of certain diseases. It is based on eating Lean Protein (e.g. beef, lamb, fresh fish, chicken)” said Denise.

“Seasonal Fruit & Veg and Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, olive oil. The diet is amazing. Regardless of weight loss or health goals you will feel so much better after adopting this lifestyle. Imagine a diet where you can eat delicious healthy food as much as you like and still lose weight and look and feel better??! And the earlier you introduce your child to healthy foods, the better”.

Join our Childcare Seminar tonight at Ryston and hear Denise speak on healthy diet and nutrition for your little ones – check out her blog on Irish Paleo Girl, lots of healthy tips and information.

Tonight at 7.30pm, Ryston Centre, Newbridge.  Contact Caoimhe at 045 436 792 for further details.