Elaine Dunne

I have worked in the childcare sector since 1983. I opened my first service 22 years ago and have built up my business over the years. I have loved children my whole life. My mother was a childminder and she encouraged me to open my first service at home. I now run two creches in South Dublin. I have a full day care and a part time service and I absolutely love every second of my job, each day is different and so rewarding.

In August 2019 I setup the Federation of Early Childhood Providers as I was fed with the intimidation and lack of respect from Tusla and their inspectors. This was causing huge anxiety across the sector. I travelled the country meeting providers and the Federation also became part of the Together for Early Years Providers representative group who organized a protest march on the 5th February 2020 where over 30,000 people marched the streets of Dublin looking for respect from the DCYA and Tusla.

The Federation of Early Childhood providers has grown dramatically since its inception and now has in excess of 1400 members country wide.

My motto is “Never give up until the job is done”.