As many as 1,570 children under the age of three in the Midlands are still waiting for an Early Years place.
Early Childhood Ireland is drawing up proposals to ensure Budget 2027 delivers measures to support the recruitment and retention of staff in the sector.
They are urging Government to set a date for pay parity for Early Years and School Age Care graduates, double the graduate premium in core funding, and provide three paid in-service days each year for every setting.
Up to 1570 children under three in the midlands remain on waiting lists for Early Years places as providers reopen after the summer break, with ongoing staffing difficulties contributing to the shortage.
Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, Frances Byrne says many of their members are reaching the limits of their capacity to provide a place for every child.
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