Childcare providers in the Shannonside Northern Sound region say the sector needs to be recognised properly as an essential service beyond the Covid 19 pandemic.
According to an annual Red C poll for Early Childhood Ireland, almost three-quarters of adults believe the government should ensure childcare providers have enough funding to operate under Covid-19 restrictions.
Currently funding of up to eighty percent is being provided to enable services open for children of essential workers.
The study also found that 62 percent of parents believe children's education under five year of age is as important as the education of those over five.
Amy Dowd, Manager of Cuan Bhride Childcare centre in Fourmilehouse in Roscommon says they are campaigning to get the same recognition as teachers to avert a crisis in staff in the sector.
