Launch of EarlyYears.ie
 Feb 2016
 
At Start Strong we have long campaigned for the best interests of children when it comes to early years care and education. That's why we want the issue to be front and centre of the 2016 General Election.

Today we launch earlyyears.ie, a website dedicated to making childcare and family leave a key election issue through our Early Years #GE16 Campaign.

For the first time in many years, the State has money to invest in services that matter. We believe that nothing matters more than our young children's futures.

There are three crises in Ireland's early years sector - quality, affordability and accessibility.

Our Early Years #GE16 Campaign proposes a plan of investment that addresses all three areas, and asks candidates to make a Promise to Children.

But we can't do this alone. In order to make a real impact on the next Government, we need all our supporters to rally behind us.
  • We encourage you all to visit our website and use our materials so that, when election candidates come to your door, you're equipped to ask them if they will commit to early years.
  • Download and print our campaign leaflet, or ask us to post some out to you - just email info@startstrong.ie with your details and we'll do the rest!
  • Get your neighbours, family, friends and work colleagues involved. Discuss the election and why early years matters. Show them our leaflet and point them towards our website.
  • Spread the messages of our campaign by using #EarlyYears #GE16 on social media, download our Twibbon for your profile pictures and encourage your followers to do the same.
Together we can make this election an election for young children!

With best wishes,
The team at Start Strong - Ciairín, Toby, Lorraine and Michael. 
What to ask candidates at the doors 

When you meet general election candidates at your door or in local meetings, it's important to ask them the right questions.

Start Strong has compiled some of these in a short leaflet, which we encourage you to read.

If you would like us to deliver a batch of leaflets to disseminate among colleagues or your local community group, please contact us at info@startstrong.ie. 

Early Years promises from the parties 

Political parties have already begun to make promises as to what they plan to do about childcare and family leave it they form part of the next Government.

Throughout the GE16 campaign Start Strong will be looking closely at these promises. Once all the manifestos have been launched we will publish a full analysis of how they deal with early years policies, but for now you can keep up to date with our responses to recent announcements on our media page or by following us on Twitter or Facebook.

Making a Promise to Children

We're calling on all general election candidates to make an Early Years #GE16 Promise to Children.

The promise gets candidates to commit to making early years a priority if elected, by increasing investment to ensure affordable, accessible, quality early years services and by strengthening family leave.   
 
Once candidates have signed up for our promise we will add them to the list of signatories on earlyyears.ie - so please keep an eye on the website for regular updates.

 

Start Strong
Advancing children's early care and education in Ireland

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 www.startstrong.ie
+353-1-662-4018
 
 
Ensure there are enough subsidised childcare places nationwide and that all children with additional needs can access enhanced support