Early Learning Initiative

On Thursday, September 17th ELI's Early Literacy & STEM Coordinator, Cathy Steenson, presented at the Annual Literacy Numeracy, and Digital Literacy Forum! 👏

This year's forum had a special focus on the ways to address anxiety around mathematics in children and young people. During her presentation, Cathy showcased how ELI's Early Numeracy Programme is delivered within local services, and the way in which it is embedded in the local community.

ELI's Early Numeracy Programme is one example for how ELI continues to support the educational achievements and journeys of families, children, and young people across Dublin's Inner City. 📖💕

Culture Night 2026 is happening tomorrow night throughout the island of Ireland👏

The annual event, now in its 20th year, is a celebration of the arts, culture and creativity and is free of charge to attend. Most events start from around 4pm and continue through into the early evening.

Look for events near you by clicking on the link below:

https://culturenight.ie/events/

❤️

Culture Night

Events • Culture Night Please note that our events listings are constantly being updated, with new events added every day. Be sure to check back regularly to see what’s happening in your area and make sure you don’t miss anything! You can search for events in a number of ways: You can input text/keywords into the sear...

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 📚✨

𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩.👶📖

Reading with your baby is about so much more than the words in a book. It is a special opportunity to connect, cuddle, talk, listen and have fun together.

When parents read with their babies, they are helping to build early language and communication skills. Babies learn by hearing voices, looking at pictures, listening to sounds and joining in with simple words and actions.

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 play an important role too. By reading with babies during visits and showing parents simple ways to enjoy books together, Home Visitors can be positive role models. They can help parents feel confident and supported in making reading part of their everyday routine.
Every story shared today helps build the foundations for tomorrow.


📚 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝. 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭.
𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘺 2026!🌍✨

ParentChild+ National was delighted to recently deliver a training session focused on Early Childhood Development and Supporting Additional Needs in Home Visiting. The training was attended by 84 Home Visitors and Coordinators from ParentChild+, Community Families, and Community Families Groups across the country.

This excellent level of participation reflects the dedication and commitment of Home Visitors to providing high-quality, family-centred support. Inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities are central to all our programmes, and we remain committed to continually enhancing our practice and striving for excellence in programme delivery.

We would like to thank all participants for their engagement and commitment to supporting positive outcomes for children and families.

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ParentChild+ Waterford ParentChild+ Parents First 'Laois,Offaly' CLG Louth ABC Programme Blue Skies Initiative Liffey Partnership Youth New Ross- YNR Mahon Frc ParentChildplus BallinasloeTuam Garryowen Community Development Project Cavan County Local Development South Dublin County Partnership St Ultans Daughters of Charity Community Services Community Families Early Learning Initiative

📢 Restorative Practice Training and Workshop opportunities for Autumn/Winter – now open for registration!

We’re delighted to share some training opportunities for community professionals and community members to develop their restorative practice skills.

To register or find out more, contact Emma Wheatley at [email protected] or 086
466 6400.

On September 3rd 2026, ELI's Community Families National Senior Coordinator, Marie Boyne spoke at Ireland's Child Poverty & Wellbeing Summit. 👏

Drawing on both her lived experience and her professional journey, Marie spoke about the lasting impact that early intervention and Home Visiting can have for children and families — and the importance of ensuring that access to the right support should never come down to chance or luck. 💕

Marie highlighted the power of meeting families where they are, building trusted relationships and providing the right support at the right time.

A powerful reminder of what can happen when families are heard, supported and connected — and every child is given the opportunity to participate, belong and thrive. ✨✨

We are excited to welcome families back as our groups resume on the 7th of September. 😀👶

We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new families to our groups.

We can't wait to begin another term together where children can play, explore, sing listen to stories, develop new skills, build confidence and have fun while parents and caregivers have the opportunity to connect, share and build friendships and spend quality time with their little ones.🎤😃

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Do you have a child aged 1-3 years?

Do you live in Dublin 1,2,3,4 or 8?

Would you like to support your child's Early Learning & Development?

⭐Why not join our free Play Programme. We will provide you and your child with regular one on one play sessions, educational books and toys & opportunities to attend programme Play Events⭐

Interested?

Call, WhatsApp or Email Jennifer on 0864666432 / [email protected]

🌱🔬 What a wonderful Summer of STEM Play & Learn! 🧪🌈

We had such a fantastic time with our families this summer! Together, families explored exciting STEM activities, discovered fascinating facts about nature, enjoyed sensory games, developed early literacy skills, and had lots of fun learning and playing together. 📚🌿🧩

Our programme also helped children build confidence and get ready for the transition back to school — all through Play, Exploration and Hands-on learning. 💚

A huge thank you to our fantastic Home Visitors for their enthusiasm, creativity and dedication in making every visit so engaging and special for our families. 👏💫

And a very special thank you to Research Ireland for supporting STEM Play & Learn and helping make these wonderful learning experiences possible. 🙏

Here is to a Summer full of Curiosity, Discovery, Connection and Fun! 🚀🌍✨

Yesterday, some of our team from the ELI Doodle Den Programme were invited to share testimonials alongside other community groups, about Mud Island's positive impact on our children, families and local communities. 🌱🌿

Congratulations to Mud Island for being nominated to represent Dublin City Council in the Pride of Place 2026 competition. Best of luck! 😀