The trade union IMPACT has criticised the Government’s decision to close the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE).

Fine Gael Education spokesman Brian Hayes outlined 32 cuts in education not mentioned by Minister Brian Lenihan in his budget speech.

The decision to close the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education, with the loss of eight jobs, was conveyed to staff last Friday.

Whilst reflecting on the past year from an early childhood care and education perspective, Dr. Jennifer Sturley is struck by the dearth of Irish material to review.

University lecturer and psychotherapist Richard House leads the UK Open Eye campaign, which opposes the so-called ‘nappy curriculum’ for under-5’s.

The 12th annual conference of the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children marked the start of Emily Logan’s tenure as chair of the network.

Childcare services participating in the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) have been invited to apply for 2009 funding.

A creche-owner who bit a 3-year-old child on the arm to teach him a lesson has been ordered to pay settlement sum and legal costs.

The Annual Conference of the Irish Pre-School Playgroup Association (IPPA) opened in the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin 22, on Friday 25 April 2008.

Minister Brendan Smith confirmed payment of the first instalment of the Early Child Supplement, which was increased to €1,100 in Budget 2008.

The IPPA conference heard that pre-schools were not receiving yearly HSE inspections because of staff shortages and the recruitment embargo.

The Minister for Children, Brendan Smith, officially launched National Childminding Week in Buswell’s Hotel, Dublin, on April 8.

Research reveals that learning a musical instrument not only stimulates a young child’s creative processes but also boosts academic performance.

The Naughton Institute - a new state of the art centre for nano science - was officially opened on 23 January 2008 at Trinity College Dublin.

Queen’s University researchers are appealing for volunteers to help investigate whether dogs can detect changes in their owner’s diabetic state.