At StartBright, we believe that strong relationships with families are the foundation of children's learning, wellbeing and lifelong success. Supporting families goes beyond the walls of our early learning centres; it means listening, responding to individual needs, building trust and creating meaningful connections within the wider community.

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We are delighted to share the findings from a research study undertaken by Dr Marlene McCormack and Dr Sheila Garrity of Dublin City University, exploring the impact of the StartBright Family Facilitator role. The research highlights how a dedicated Family Facilitator can act as a trusted bridge between families, educators and community services, responding to parents' needs with empathy, flexibility and practical support. It demonstrates that taking a relationship-based, parent-led approach strengthens family wellbeing, enhances community connections and ultimately improves outcomes for children.

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The report also recognises the Family Facilitator as a vital element of the StartBright Way, showing how investing in dedicated family support creates lasting positive change for children, families and the communities we serve. While relationship-building takes time, the evidence is clear: by working alongside families, listening to their voices and responding to their priorities, we can create stronger, more connected communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

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We invite you to read the full report and discover how this innovative role is making a real difference across StartBright.

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