'All the kids are so excited': Cork preschool among 1,300 settings taking part in National Pyjama Day
Staff celebrating National Pyjama Day last year. Pictured is Susan Murphy (top), Yvonne Fitton (below) and Laura Dunlea on bottom.
A Cork preschool is among early years providers across the country which will be marking National Pyjama Day next Friday.
The event, organised by Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), is the largest one-day fundraising event organised by the early years and school-age care sector in Ireland.
Over the past two decades, they have raised €4 million for projects and charities that support babies and children.
Over 65,000 children at 1,300 settings across Ireland participate each year, raising funds to support important projects and charities that support children.
Susan Murphy, the owner of Spraoi Preschool in Ballincollig told The Echo that excitement is building at their centre ahead of the occasion.
“All the kids are so excited, asking every day 'how many more sleeps?
“We take all the tables and chairs out of the preschool, and we put quilts, pillows and cushions down and make one big bed, they come in their pjs, dressing gowns and slippers and bring their favourite teddy.
“We ask them what movie is their favourite, it’s all about the children’s choice - they pick Monsters Inc, Toy Story, Frozen or Paw Patrol and the one with the most votes is put on for about five minutes then they go play – it’s just the novelty of it!”
Ms Murphy opened her preschool in 2015 and said they have been doing PJ day ever since.
She and her two staff members Yvonne and Sonya are also getting involved, and this year the three of them have bought new matching pyjamas for the occasion.
Ms Murphy said that this year in Early Childhood Ireland’s pack they got a little book called Adventures In Dreamland for each child to bring home, as well as a little sticker to say they participated in Pyjama Day.
“Everyone is so excited, the kids really love it - it’s the highlight of our year! We are all counting down the days”, she said.
As well as supporting autism charity AsIAm, the funds raised this year will help develop a new project for ECI members called ‘Eco-Emotions – supporting self-care, communities and our environment’.
The funds raised for AsIAm will contribute to its Child and Family Support Programme, which will directly provide group-based support to autistic children and family members, whilst building the capacity of families to engage with support services and advocate for the critical support they require.
Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland said: “In our 20th year, we’re expecting this to be our biggest National Pyjama Day yet and it wouldn’t be possible without our brilliant members who make the day so special for children with teddy bear picnics, pillow fights, bear hunts and lots more.
“And we are so grateful to the parents and other family members who generously support this fun and impactful day.”
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