Early Years educators involved in the SIPTU ‘Big Start’ campaign will be delivering hundreds of Valentine’s Cards to TDs and Senators in Leinster House, Dublin 2, tomorrow (14th February) at 12.30 p.m. The cards are from Early Years educators from across the country and call upon politicians to show their sector “some love” by recognising its importance and funding it accordingly. SIPTU ‘Big Start’ Campaign Coordinator, Darragh O’Connor, said: “It is time for the government to show some love to the Early Years sector. Early Years educators in Ireland are qualified childcare professionals, who assist our very young children learn and develop. They give them the love and care they need to feel happy and secure as they grow. He added: “Early Years Educators are sending some love to TDs and Senators with these cards. Sadly, they aren’t feeling much love back; they are undervalued and underpaid. Many are on the minimum wage. Early Years Educators deserve decent pay. If we want a quality childcare service, we need to recognise and reward those who are delivering it.” TDs and Senators have been invited to show their support for Early Years educators at the gates of Leinster House and by tweeting a ‘selfie’ with their Valentine’s card using the hashtag #LoveEarlyYears. For regular updates on the Big Start campaign see www.bigstart.ie or follow ‘BigStartIreland’ on Facebook.
Early Years educators to present TDs with Valentine’s Cards at Dáil tomorrow
