Early Childhood Educators Demand Pay Parity Amid 20.7% Turnover

URGENT UPDATE: Early Childhood Ireland has launched a bold call for immediate pay parity between early childhood educators and primary school teachers. This demand comes in response to alarming statistics revealing a staggering 20.7% turnover rate among educators in Donegal, raising concerns about the sustainability of early childhood education in the region.

As part of their Budget 2026 submission, the organization is urging the government to set a timeline for implementing pay equality for Early Years and School Age Care graduates, who are equally educated and trained as their counterparts in primary education. Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, stated, “Guaranteeing public pay and conditions for these graduates would mark a turning point for Donegal, where too many talented educators are lured away by sectors offering better pay and job security.”

This urgent plea comes as Donegal grapples with a significant workforce crisis in early childhood education. National figures reveal that over 2,000 staff with a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 7 or above left their roles in 2023/2024 due to inadequate pay and conditions. The high turnover rate is undermining the quality of education and care available to young children, which is critical for their development.

Byrne highlighted the government’s current trajectory towards a graduate-led workforce, yet stressed that immediate action on pay issues is crucial. “Unless urgency is injected into resolving these pay disparities, our 127 member settings in Donegal will continue to lose their most qualified staff,” she added.

In response to the ongoing crisis, there have been proposals to increase minimum pay rates for staff by 10%, raising base wages from €13.65 to €15 per hour. While Byrne acknowledges that any increase is beneficial, she warns that the Early Years and School Age Care workforce remains vulnerable to annual fluctuations dictated by the Joint Labour Committee and the national Budget process.

“Year after year, staff are left uncertain about their financial future, while essential benefits like annual increments, pensions, and maternity leave top-ups remain out of reach,” Byrne explained. “Bringing Early Years and School Age Care graduates under public sector pay in line with teachers will not only provide much-needed stability but also recognize the vital role these educators play in shaping children’s lives.”

As this situation develops, the call for urgent government action is gaining traction. Early Childhood Ireland’s advocacy highlights the critical need for reform in the sector to ensure the retention of skilled educators and the overall quality of early childhood education in Donegal and beyond.

Stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue as the government responds to these compelling demands from the early childhood education community.