Mayo childcare settings selected for national Emotional Development Programme

Three childcare settings in Mayo have been selected to take part in a major new national programme focused on supporting children’s emotional development.

The initiative, known as Time for Nurturing Connections (TIME), has been developed by Early Childhood Ireland and is designed to help educators foster resilience, confidence and a sense of belonging among young children.

Funded through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, the programme will see selected Early Years and School Age Care settings receive specialised training and support.

As part of the rollout, educators from 16 participating settings nationwide — including those in Mayo — are attending a dedicated masterclass on April 14, with a wider eLearning programme set to launch later this year.

The training focuses on building nurturing, responsive relationships with children and embedding emotionally supportive practices into everyday care and education.

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According to recent findings from the Growing Up in Ireland research project, nearly half of children who experienced emotional difficulties at age five continued to face challenges at age nine. In contrast, only 7% of children without early difficulties developed such issues later, underlining the importance of early intervention.

CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, Teresa Heeney, said the programme represents a significant investment in children’s futures.

“Early Years and School Age Care settings are places where children build relationships, develop confidence and learn to navigate their emotions,” she said. “Time for Nurturing Connections is a real investment in Mayo’s children, supporting educators to give them the best possible start in life.”

She added that the masterclass is an important step in strengthening the professional development of those working in the sector, with a focus on evidence-based approaches rooted in developmental research.

The programme is expected to have long-term benefits for participating children, helping to create more supportive environments that promote emotional well-being from the earliest stages of life.

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