Registration opens for National Pyjama Day 

Registration has officially opened for Early Childhood Ireland’s annual National Pyjama Day 2024.

The event will take place on Friday, November 22, and 366 Early Childhood Ireland member settings in Cork are invited to host a fun-filled day of teddy bear picnics, story time and pillow fights.

This year marks 21 years since the inaugural National Pyjama Day, and this much-loved community event has gone from strength to strength ever since, raising more than €4.3 million for a host of charitable causes that support babies and children all over Ireland.

On the big day, children are sponsored by their families and friends to wear their pyjamas into early years and school age care settings. Susan Murphy, the owner of Spraoi Preschool in Ballincollig participated in the event last year and said “the kids really love it - it’s the highlight of our year!

“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.”

Funds raised on National Pyjama Day this year will go towards supporting Sensational Kids – an award-winning social enterprise that works with children who have sensory processing challenges - and Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco-Emotions project, which empowers educators and parents with the tools they need to support children in caring for themselves, their communities, and the planet.

Early Childhood Ireland CEO, Teresa Heeney, said: “We are delighted to open registrations and to work with our dedicated members to bring National Pyjama Day to Cork once again.

“At its heart, National Pyjama Day is about children helping children, and we hope to see as many of them as possible participating in this fantastic day to support Sensational Kids and our Eco-Emotions project.”