AIM will give young children access to pre-school services
By William O’Connor
YOUNG children with disabilities in Tallaght and surrounding communities will enjoy improved access to pre-school services under a series of initiatives launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone, TD.
Minister Zappone hosted the national launch and a new information website at the Ashling Nursery in Tallaght village and encouraged childcare providers and parents to act now to ensure enrolments would start in September.
Both providers and parents of children with disabilities are being advised to go to www.preschoolaccess.ie to get more information on the new ‘Access Inclusion Model: AIM’.
Speaking at the launch Minister Zappone said: “This is an important step to break-down barriers preventing children with disabilities from taking part in the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme.
“Parents and pre-school providers who wish to avail of AIM should make their applications now so that they can plan for enrolments in September.
“I am committed to working towards a more vibrant, inclusive and tolerant society which supports all children, equally, to realise their potential – today we have taken another important step to achieve that.
“Our approach is child centred. From the website providers and parents in Tallaght can view how we are working to ensure that children with disabilities can better access childcare. A new inclusion charter, support from a team of 50 experts as well as access to specialised equipment.
“We hope to have an impact immediately with the first enrolments taking place as a result of AIM this September – but for that to happen it is important that preparations are made now and it is important that people do visit www.preschoolaccess.ie
“It is an honour to see at first hand the fantastic work being carried out in our communities by facilities such as the Ashling
“Nursery and as someone who has campaigned tirelessly on the issue of access to childcare I believe AIM is an important step to services which are equal and fair.”
