The launch of the Association of Childcare Professionals (Dublin Branch) is taking place on Saturday 25th September 2010 in the Wood Quay Venue. A committed group of childcare professionals have been working together for the last number of months to establish this association in Dublin. The launch will be a wonderful opportunity for all those who work in the childcare sector to come together and find out more about the association and the benefits that it can offer. Membership forms will be available on the day. For more information contact (085) 2120243. The ACP website www.acpdublin.ie is under construction at the moment but will be ready soon.

The Association of Childcare Professionals represents all individuals working in Early Years Care and Education and School Age Childcare. This includes anyone working in -

Sessional, Part-time and Full Day Care settings
Montessori, Naionrai, Steiner schools
School Age Childcare services
Childminders

The Association will:
- Define a professional identity for people working in the early years and school age childcare sector
- Form a body to which workers can affiliate & develop a strong membership across Dublin city
- Set entry requirements for membership
- Advocate for rights of its members to equitable pay and conditions
- Work towards establishing a code of ethics based on best practice
- Help members with their continuing professional development

The Story so far….
The development of a professional body for childcare workers is in its infancy with a number of groups forming around the country. The first branch was established in Cork in 2005. The Dublin branch was established in November 2009 when a group of childcare providers from across the city met to set up the first ACP Dublin Branch committee.

The first national conference was held in Cork in April 2010. This was the beginning of a movement to form a national association and will be professed further at the next national conference which is taking place later this year.

In order for the ACP to grow and develop, it needs nurturing, planning, and most important of all - members. Become involved with this new and exciting development and be part of a movement that plans to gain for early years workers the recognition and respect they deserve. The focus of ACP Dublin now is on building up membership. We welcome any enquiries you may have and hop to see you all on Saturday 25th September 2010.