I was on @TodaywithClaire discussing our difficulties with sustainability due to inadequate gov investment Unfortunately my services need to raise fees to meet the rising costs like staffing, food, utilities. Equal Start is a first step but more is needed rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22…

🎉 Today is historic! The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is now part of Scots law, making children's rights legally enforceable in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Let’s celebrate this huge milestone & thank all the children & young people who campaigned to make this possible. ❤️🛡️👏🏾

Here’s one of the most fascinating child development videos I’ve ever shared. As your baby learns language, they begin by approximating the examples you set. After a period of early experimentation with sound (including cries, coos and gurgles), infants begin babbling - making speech-like sounds (which often include components of conventional speech) that are - nonetheless - not yet conventionally meaningful. This babbling phase is a precursor to the use of formal words. And it happens in all languages. Including sign language. This video shows an infant (who, by the way, is not hearing impaired) “babbling” to her deaf grandparents. As they sign to her, she responds in kind, using her hands to approximate the signed communication that they are modeling. It’s a whole serve and return conversation, just as if they were conversing verbally. If you’ll watch carefully, you’ll note distinct turn taking. And - interestingly - that with her grandparents she largely avoids vocalizations, in favor of gesture. What a treat to see this rich example of bilingual language development. This fascinating video was shared to TT by mara_mccullough.

Fascinating working paper from Canadian economists on long-term positive developmental outcomes from Quebec childcare programme, contradicting earlier research findings: tinyurl.com/y96ew2cy. Well summarised in blog by economist @gordcleveland: tinyurl.com/5n97r6xk

Minister @rodericogorman has today launched Equal Start - a major new model of government-funded supports to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can access and meaningfully participate in early learning and childcare. Read the press release at: bit.ly/4bMcvrs

Is it possible to spoil your baby by being too responsive? The short answer is no. Somewhere along the way, we developed the notion that letting babies “cry it out” was good for them. In reality, it’s just the opposite. Warm and responsive relationships help infants develop trust, attachment, and a sense of security… which, in turn, lead to self-reliance and the ability to regulate’s one’s own emotions. These abilities have been linked to higher self-esteem, improved stress management, healthier relationships, and even superior academic performance. This lovely video, shared to IG by previvor2survivor states the case beautifully. This is probably an opportune time for a reminder that parenting is not an all or nothing proposition. It’s impractical to think that even the most attentive parent will be able to respond instantly to EVERY cry. And within the context of a warm and responsive relationship, that’s just fine. In finite amounts, opportunities for your baby to self-soothe can be beneficial. But if you’ve been convinced that responding too often to your infant’s expressions of need is the path to spoiling, think again. Infants can’t be spoiled by love. It’s just that simple.

Reading with your baby is about so much more than the book. It’s a time for bonding and connection. For laughter, love, and language learning… There are so many great things happening as this father and daughter share a board book together. Watch our hero, as she splits her attention between the book and her father, turning her adoring gaze to his face after each and every page. Dad is a fantastic narrator, reenacting the book’s animal sounds with enthusiasm. And let not leave out the fact that this is a shared tummy time activity (which, by the looks of it, is soon to be a precursor to some major crawling). The whole video is a delight… but my favorite part is the end. What do you think she’s communicating as the video closes? This lovely father-daughter moment was shared to IG by theberardos.

Read the full text here of 'Corporatisation and financialisation of social reproduction: Care homes and childcare in the UK' by @sararfarris, @_AmyHorton and myself in Environment and Planning F tinyurl.com/yc5hjp8k

We've just published a new FREE guide - 'Thinking about babies'. It has lots of practical advice for #earlyyears leaders thinking about their provision for #babies. You can also sign up to free webinar all about babies with @GuardCaroline Mon 29 April 7pm froebel.org.uk/events/webina…

This year marks the first year that Ireland is participating in the OECD Starting Strong Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS Starting Strong). Find more on TALIS Starting Strong and how to take part here: cso.ie/en/surveys/talisstart…

Minister @rodericogorman today, launched a call for proposals under the Programme for Support Organisations to Early Learning and Care, School Age Childcare and Childminding Sector 2025. Read the full Press release at: bit.ly/3VOR0l2

The Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth chaired by Deputy @Kathleensf1 has published its report on ‘The Challenges facing the Early Childhood Care & Education Sector’. Press Release➡️bit.ly/3P7wdEU Full Report➡️bit.ly/48JhB5w

Very positive meeting with the Taoiseachs Child Poverty & Wellbeing office discussing the absence of government support to tackle disadvantage/ poverty in ECEC and SAC. Child poverty doesn't start in junior infants & we need early intervention to start in ECEC. #nochildleftbehind

Children still need a childhood with dirt, mud, puddles, trees, sticks and tadpoles. ~ Brook Hampton.

Outdoor play helps children develop social skills, by learning how to play with others.

The more children play outside, the healthier they will be, both mentally and physically. ~ Richard Louv

Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn. ~ Loris Malaguzzi

Restore balance. Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play. ~ Penny Whitehouse.

We deserve recognition, respect and proper pay and conditions. This was the message that Early Years Educator and @siptu activist Avril Green delivered to TDs & Senators at the Oireachtas Committee on Children. #EarlyYearsUnion #WeAreSIPTU