Figures reveal staffing crisis facing Cork's early years education sector

Two thirds of early-years settings in Cork reported vacancies in the last year, while more than half of staff who left their jobs left the sector entirely or went abroad, new data shows.

As the Dáil reopens and students return to their studies, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) has reaffirmed calls to bring graduates under the same public pay and conditions as teachers, at a time when staffing challenges continue to impact children’s access to places in Cork.

According to Pobal, the organisation that administers early years and school-age care programmes, 68% of settings in Cork reported staff vacancies in the last 12 months.

The Echo previously revealed that 345 educators in Cork left or changed jobs in 2023/2024 and, of these, as many as 140 held NFQ Level 7 or higher qualifications.

Emigrated

The latest Pobal data shows that 39% of educators in Cork who left their jobs left the sector entirely, while 16% who left their jobs emigrated.

Frances Byrne, ECI director of policy, said: “Early-years educators play a critical role in young children’s development, yet their pay and conditions tell a completely different story.”

“Without significant investment in Budget 2026, talented educators will continue to leave in high numbers and services in Cork will struggle to fill the vacancies, which will ultimately impact children’s experiences and their outcomes,” said Ms Byrne.

“When a significant number of those leaving their roles choose to walk away from the sector entirely or emigrate, it’s a clear warning sign, and reflects a system that isn’t valuing its educators,” she added.

“Students across the country are set to start early years degrees this month, and we can only hope that they will graduate into a better system, where their pay and conditions reflect their instrumental role in young children’s lives.”

Guarantee

In its Budget 2026 submission, Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to name the date to guarantee pay parity between early years and school-age care graduates and primary school teachers, who are qualified to the same level.

“Early years education and care isn’t about babysitting,” said Ms Byrne.

“It is the first step in a child’s educational journey, before they transition to primary school.

“Our educators lay the foundation for lifelong learning, which is recognised by the Government, so it is only fair that their pay and conditions reflect that.

“Budget 2026 is a chance for Ireland to start catching up with other countries and finally recognise early years as a vital part of the wider education system.”