As an Early Years Educator in Ireland, I, like many others, am stretched to the breaking point. We take pride in our work, shaping the young minds that are our future, but find ourselves underpaid, overworked, and underappreciated. The system's current expectations outweigh the pay scale and our workload feels insurmountable - change isn't just desired, it is essential, and it is needed now.

In Ireland, Early Years Educators typically earn an average of €11.93 per hour, a wage that hardly reflects our importance (OECD, 2021). Our contribution to children's development is undervalued by our employers and distrusts the professionals that we are. There is a desperate need for better pay and working conditions, as well as additional support staff to help manage the load - particularly during busy periods, or in cases of illness and annual leave.

Furthermore, our case isn't unique to us. The consequences of our exhausting work routine can be seen in the services we provide. There should be full-day AIM support for all children who need any additional support, not only those in ECCE session’s , children in other rooms outside of sessional ECCE rooms are also in need of some extra support and this can only happen if there are enough qualified professionals on hand to care for them. The introduction of support relief staff will not only alleviate the heavy workload but will also attract new professionals into the sector and retain those who are considering leaving due to unbearable working conditions.

We are the educators shaping the future leaders of Ireland, and our voices should not be disregarded. We call for higher wages, better working conditions, and sufficient support staff in Early Childcare Education. Our relentless dedication deserves recognition and respect, and it is high time for our employers to take note.

Please sign this petition and help us pave the way for an improved Early Childhood Education system in Ireland.