Child Paths, Ireland’s premier childcare management software provider, is delighted to announce the winners of its first-ever Giving Back Campaign – Recognition Awards. This national awards event took place on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at the Iveagh Gardens Hotel in Dublin, spotlighting the extraordinary commitment of Ireland's early childhood educators to shaping the lives of our youngest learners.
Dún Beag Crèche in Reddington, Co. Galway, has been awarded the prestigious title of Overall Winner and will receive the top prize of €5,000 in recognition of its exceptional dedication to quality early education and care. The award honours the incredible work of the team at Dún Beag, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for children and their families.
In addition, two Cork-based early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers took home the runner-up awards. Tigers Childcare in Douglas, Co. Cork, claimed second place, winning a €3,000 prize. Highcare Childcare in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, was awarded third place, earning €2,000.
Since January 2024, Child Paths has invested over €40,000 as part of the Giving Back Campaign, and has awarded €1,000 each month to exemplary ECEC settings, recognising their commitment to quality early education and sharing the prize with their dedicated staff. These monthly winners competed in the grand finale, where the top three awards of €5,000, €3,000, and €2,000 were announced. The campaign underpins Child Paths’ commitment to celebrating the invaluable contributions of early years educators, often the unsung heroes in communities across the country.
"At Child Paths, we believe in celebrating the heroes who lay the foundation for our future, the dedicated early years educators," said Ciaran Flynn, CEO of Child Paths. "The teams we honoured inspire and shape young minds daily. This campaign is more than a recognition, it’s a tribute to their creativity, commitment, and the positive impact they make on children’s lives."
Child Paths’ Giving Back Campaign - Recognition Awards also highlighted the challenges faced by Ireland’s childcare sector, from staffing shortages to rising costs. Yet, the dedication of these educators and providers remains unwavering, underscoring the significance of quality education for children’s development and future success.
Highlighting the importance of nurturing environments, strong educator-child relationships, and a family-centred approach in early learning settings, the Giving Back Campaign - Recognition Awards celebrate settings that exemplify these values, ensuring children experience enriched learning environments and meaningful interactions.
For the full list of winners and finalists please visit www.childpaths.ie.
Slán go fóill.