Imagine being told with just one week's notice that your child’s school is closing permanently! 

That’s exactly what has happened to families at Rainbow Community Playgroup in Dublin 7 – and it’s part of a much bigger crisis in early childhood education across Ireland.

Preschools and playgroups are supposed to be safe, stable learning environments for our youngest children. But without warning, Rainbow’s afternoon session is set to be shut down on February 7th, leaving children and their families scrambling for alternatives. 

No clear reason has been given. No plan has been offered to support the children, parents, or staff affected.

This isn’t just about Rainbow – it’s about the future of childcare and early education in Ireland. Preschools and early childcare services all over Ireland face sudden closures, forcing parents into impossible situations and disrupting children’s early learning.

We demand urgent action from Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Minister Norma Foley, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY):

1. Intervene immediately to keep Rainbow Community Playgroup open and ensure children’s learning is not disrupted.

2. Guarantee stability in early years education, so no family faces last-minute closures again.

3. Ensure full transparency from Pobal and childcare providers to prevent sudden shutdowns with no explanation.

4. Introduce emergency financial support for struggling preschools to avoid more closures across Ireland.

5. Require that parents be included on the boards of preschools and early childcare services, ensuring families have a say in the decisions that affect their children’s education.

This is not just about funding – it’s about stability, accountability, and protecting our children’s future. No family should face this level of uncertainty when it comes to their child’s education and care.~

Let’s stand together to protect early years education for our children.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action from the government!