First 5 Ireland

The official account of First 5, a whole-of-government strategy for babies, young children and their families, led by @deptcde

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Survey Now Live – National CPD Mapping Exercise

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) invites practising professionals from the Early Learning and Care (ELC), School Age Childcare (SAC) and Childminding sectors to take part in a national CPD mapping exercise

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Talaíonn rud éigin draíochtúil uair a léann tú leabhar maith! Tá Mo Mhála Leabharlainne Beag ar fáil anois inGaeilge agus i mBéarla ag do Leabharlann áitiúil!

#MyLittleLibraryBag #First5Ireland #LibrariesIreland #CéadMíleFáilte #NaChéad5 #MoMhálaLeabharlainneBeag

[Department of Children, Disability and Equality @DeptCDE]

Today marks 20 years of Growing Up in Ireland!
Ireland's national study tracks over 30,000 children and young people, providing valuable insights into children's physical health, mental health, and education.

[Department of Children, Disability and Equality @DeptCDE]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, @NormaFoleyTD1 today announced €422,000 in development grants for Childminders.

[Department of Children, Disability and Equality @DeptCDE]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality @NormaFoleyTD1 has today announced €200,000 in funding for two new nature-based play spaces in Clare and Limerick on International Day of Play.

[Department of Children, Disability and Equality @DeptCDE]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality @NormaFoleyTD1 today welcomed the publication of a new review which highlights the benefits of Government funding for parent and toddler groups.

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

An bhfuil a fhios agat tá tú fós in ann a bhaint as fóirdheontas ón #ScéimNáisiúntaCúraimLeanaí nuair a bhfuil tú fostaithe faoi láthair nó nach bhfuil? Is féidir leat tuilleadh eolais a fháil ar na cineálacha fóirdheontas atá ar fáil ar ár suíomh Gréasáin https://t.co/Dkr1uLlFwk

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Did you know that you can still avail of a National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidy whether or not you’re currently employed?

You can find more information on the types of subsidies available on our website: https://t.co/Dkr1uLmdlS.

#NCS #NationalChildcareScheme #First5Ireland

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Celebrate every child's right to play on International Play of Day on 11 June! 🧸

This year's theme is "Protect Play, Protect Childhood".

We are calling on all schools across the UK and Ireland to give children 31 more minutes of play!

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

It's never too early to start preparing for the school year ahead!

To get more helpful information on getting ready for school, visit https://t.co/liP5KDMqD8

#LetsGetReady #ReadyForSchool #First5Ireland

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

The National Childcare Scheme isn’t just for toddlers!

If your child is aged under 15 years, you can receive a subsidy of at least €2.14/hr! That can be used to cover after-school, breakfast clubs – or even childminders!

Don’t miss out – apply today via https://t.co/Dkr1uLlFwk

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

My Little Library Book Bag is available free at your local library for every child starting school in 2026 to help them prepare for this big step!

#MyLittleLibraryBag #First5Ireland #LibrariesIreland #CéadMíleFáilte #NaChéad5 #MoMhálaLeabharlainneBeag

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Every child has a right to play, everyday.

#InternationalDayOfPlay

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Celebrate every child's right to play on International Play of Day on 11 June! 🧸🪀

This year's theme is "Protect Play, Protect Childhood".

We are calling on all schools across the UK and Ireland to give children 31 more minutes of play!

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

My Little Library Book Bag will help prepare your child for one of the major milestones in their life…starting school! Pick up a My Little Library Book Bag today at your local library!
#MyLittleLibraryBag #First5Ireland #LibrariesIreland #CéadMíleFáilte #MoMhálaLeabharlainneBeag

[Department of Children, Disability and Equality @DeptCDE]

Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley today announced the details of the new maximum fee caps for early learning and childcare services participating in Core Funding.

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

An raibh a fhios agat? Is féidir leat éileamh a dhéanamh ar uaireanta breise de chuid den #ScéimNáisiúntaCúraimLeanaí (SNCL) le linn laethanta saoire an tsamhraidh?

Tabhair cuairt ar https://t.co/LlBKHFUaFa inniu le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais a fháil!

#NationalChildcareScheme

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Did you know? You can claim additional hours of National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidy during the summer holidays?

Visit https://t.co/LlBKHFUIuI today for more details!

#NCS #NationalChildcareScheme #ScéimeNáisiúntaCúraimLeanaí #First5Ireland #Childcare

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Did you know that in 2023/24, 77.1% of Traveller Junior Infants were coming from ECCE?

Find out more in the Statistical Spotlight #17: Travellers in Ireland Report here: https://t.co/aWDJxQeUUN.

You can also view the data sheet here: https://t.co/q0kQowGX4i

[First 5 Ireland @First5_Ireland]

Are you thinking of changing your childcare arrangements for the Summer months?

For advice and support in the process, you can contact your local City/County Childcare Committee.

Details for your local CCC may be found here: https://t.co/UmYg939JaN

[Department of Education and Youth @Education_Ire]

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton has today announced the expansion of the Summer Holiday Meals Pilot Programme for 2026, building on the success of last year’s initiative to support young people during the school summer holidays.

https://t.co/4sAavPnw6f