Childcare providers are facing significant challenges due to insufficient funding, leading to fee increases. Ollie Sheehan, director of a childcare facility in Cork, plans a 34% fee hike after withdrawing from the Core Funding scheme, citing a lack of support for rising costs and administrative expenses. The Department of Children noted that eight services have opted out of this year's funding program, raising concerns among providers about sustainability. Stephanie Roy from Ibec's Childcare Services Ireland indicated that frustration is high with government responsiveness and the need for a provider forum to address these issues.
"Core Funding isn't working. There is insufficient funding for providers, and we are locked into fees from 2019. That's a huge problem as costs are rising."
"If we're going towards €200 a month childcare, that means demand is going to increase. Providers have multiple issues, including an alleged 'lack of responsiveness' from the Department of Children."
Collection
[
|
...
]