AN INITIATIVE HAS been launched to increase price transparency and allow parents to make more informed decisions about where they send their children for childcare. Around 3,330 childcare facilities will be sent a price display template so they can clearly display the cost for the services they offer and provide details on available discounts and optional extras.
The initiative, launched by The National Consumer Agency along with Early Childhood Ireland, follows the NCA’s call for improved price display in the sector following a study in February 2011, which showed that only 44% of childcare facilities displayed a price list at their premises.
Commenting on the new initiative Ann Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the NCA, said:
Price display is an important way to empower consumers. Choosing a childcare provider is one of the most important decisions a parent will make and this initiative will allow them to compare childcare costs by providing easily accessible information. We are aware that a wide range of factors are involved when choosing a childcare provider, including location and staff qualifications, but given the costs involved, affordability is a key consideration for parents.
Irene Gunning, Chief Executive of ECI added:
Parents must also understand that the price of childcare is driven primarily by the strict ratios of adults to children and we can’t have a true debate about childcare costs in Ireland without questioning the low level of State funding here, compared to our European neighbours.
The announcement follows similar price display initiatives in the Dental and GP sectors that improves transparency for consumers when choosing professional service providers.
Would you prefer to see a clear list of prices for childcare services on display?
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