Early years educators say they need to be paid a minimum of €15 an hour in order to keep the childcare sector staffed.
A survey conducted by SIPTU found that low pay is driving educators from the industry.
The vast majority of services reported having to recruit staff over the past 12 months, a process that was reported as 'difficult' or 'very difficult' for 95% of managers.
Some 30% of managers reported that their service is at-risk of closure due to the staffing crisis.
Valerie Gaynor, who manages an early years service, told Lunchtime Live there is no back up if someone calls in sick.
"Our biggest problem is the recruitment and retention of staff at the moment," she said.
"I think it's a challenge nearly for every service at the moment.
"Personally we do have enough stauff - however if somebody rings in sick... we don't have any back up.
"We've no relief panel, it doesn't exist".
'You've no choice'
Ms Gaynor said as childcare workers have to be qualified and Garda vetted "it's just not out there".
"If you have a number of educators out sick you have to close a room, you've no choice."
Ms Gaynor said an increase in the minimum rates of pay for an early years educator is "too little too late".
"When you really look at it it's still not even the living wage," she said.
"SIPTU have worked really hard with the employer bodies; it took a long time to get the €13.65 [an hour] over the line.
"But it's still not enough".
'Losing graduates to primary schools'
Ms Gaynor questioned if many people would put in the work for the money involved in childcare.
"How many people are going to go and study for a year for a Level 5, two years to get a Level 6 and then go and work for €13.65 an hour... when you could just go and work in Tesco and earn more money for a lot less responsibility?" she said.
"We're losing a large amount of graduates to primary schools because they're actually on more money and better terms and conditions working as SNAs.
"It's dismal really unless we sort out the pay and conditions".
Ms Gaynor said they are "constantly" advertising for educators.
"We're not even getting applications - so if we get new members of staff it's through word of mouth," she said.
"We're getting people applying who have no qualifications... it's so disappointing because it's such a waste of administration time".
Ms Gaynor said she believes the minimum rate of pay in the childcare sector should be €15 per hour.
"That's how we will attract people to come and work with children - it's a big job", she added.
Some 30% of managers reported that problems recruiting and retaining staff will result in service closures - an increase of 6% since the last Early Years Professionals Survey in 2022.
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