Powerful Parenting – Support in Early Years

Powerful Parenting, support in Early Years

Parental engagement is central to CDI’s work and we recognise the fundamental role parents play in children’s lives and development.

CDI supports eight early years’ services in Tallaght through the provision of dedicated Parent/Carer  Facilitators  (PCF) in the Early Learning and Care Service.  The role of the Parent Care Facilitator is to work with the parents of the children in the service by identifying needs, offering support to address any issues and promote the achievement of children’s developmental milestones.

The PCF role has been demonstrated to reduce parental stress, improve relationships between parents and their children and support a positive home learning environment.

Evaluation Report and Policy Brief

European Grant Awarded to CDI to Evaluate Parent Engagement Model

The Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) is delighted to have secured the prestigious Marie Sklodowska – Curie Actions (MSCA) grant enabling us to undertake state-of-the-art research on Parental Engagement and Relationships in Early Childhood (PEAR) starting in May 2020 to conclude in April 2022.

The researcher Dr. Catarina Leitão will carry out a fellowship to study this model under the intersectoral supervision of Marian Quinn, CDI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Professor Nóirín Hayes of Trinity College Dublin (TCD).

Throughout the project, we will:

  • Share our findings and incorporate your feedback;
  • Share our reports and presentations;
  • Inform you of opportunities for collaboration and networking with PEAR stakeholders at national and European level.

This project is a crucial opportunity to highlight the importance of parental engagement in early years services, and to inform the development of a national model of parenting support. We will host an information session about this research this summer. This will be an opportunity to learn more about PEAR, meet the researcher and the team, and provide valuable input in the context of your knowledge and services.

Elaine Fagan: Parenting Specialist (On Maternity Leave)

+353 1 414 7365 | elaine@cdi.ie

Elaine is responsible for supporting CDI’s work with early years’ services, primary care and specialist services working with children, parents and families. With over 13 years’ experience supporting children & families presenting with complex needs and is passionate about early intervention. Elaine holds a degree in Early Childhood Care and Education and is an Accredited Play Therapist.

Elaine has worked in a variety of settings including primary schools, early years’ services in both Ireland and Australia, voluntary organisations, primary schools, community centres and in private practice.