What does a sustainable, high-quality public early childhood education and care system look like? A new research report by Dr Marlene McCormack and Dr Sheila Garrity offers valuable insights by examining two established multi-site, community-based, not-for-profit organisations: StartBright Early Learning Centres and Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta.

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As national conversations continue around the future of publicly funded early childhood education and care, this research demonstrates that effective models already exist within Ireland. The report highlights how strong governance, shared leadership, investment in educators, meaningful partnerships with families, and deep community engagement create services that are both sustainable and responsive to local needs. Rather than focusing solely on children's early learning experiences, these organisations take a holistic approach that strengthens families, supports communities and continually invests in quality.

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Importantly, the research also acknowledges the challenges facing the sector, including workforce recruitment, funding sustainability and managing growth. Drawing on the experiences of both organisations, the report presents a series of practical policy recommendations that position multi-site, not-for-profit provision as a strong foundation for the future development of Ireland's public early childhood education and care system.

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This report is an important contribution to the national conversation, demonstrating that when governance is strong, educators are supported, and communities remain at the heart of decision-making, early childhood education and care can deliver lasting benefits for children, families and society. We invite you to explore the full report and discover how community-led, not-for-profit provision is helping to shape the future of early learning in Ireland.

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