Early Childhood Ireland today thanked the 65,000 children nationwide wearing their PJs today for Early Childhood Ireland National Pyjama Day in aid of Irish Autism Action.

Early Childhood Ireland uses the platform of National Pyjama Day to highlight serious lack of Government investment to support children with additional needs at preschool.

Teresa Heeney CEO of Early Childhood Ireland stated: “I want to acknowledge and thank the 65,000 children, their parents and their early childhood educators in crèches and preschools up and down the country today who are really putting the fun into fundraising by participating in Early Childhood Ireland National Pyjama Day.

“Based on the record numbers involved this year, we are hoping to exceed our target of raising €200,000 to support Irish Autism Action. Money that will be used to develop awareness and training programmes, specifically tailored for early childhood educators around the country.

“We also know from our partners Irish Autism Action that autism affects 1 in 100 children and that means of the 65,000 children on the ECCE partially funded preschool scheme an estimated 650 are on the autistic spectrum. Just how many or how few of them are getting the support they need on their preschool journey? And what sort of additional stress is this putting on hard pressed parents trying to do the very best for their child?

“We are calling on Minister Reilly’s inter-departmental committee currently doing an audit on the early childhood care and education sector to address this injustice and this lack of investment for children with additional needs.

People who want to get involved in the fundraiser today can text the words ‘PJDAY’ to 50300 to donate €2 to Irish Autism Action.