Closing a chapter on Conna Community Childcare as Breda retires
From its opening in 2008 until now, Breda Byrne has been at the helm of Conna Community Childcare, and her recent retirement marks the end of an era for the locality.
Speaking with The Avondhu, Conna Community Childcare chairperson Noreen Hamilton, noted that Breda began her career in childcare in 1990 when she opened a playgroup for preschool children at her home.
“This was a first for that era that quickly proved very popular and after a few years she asked the Community Council to accommodate her group in the Muintir Hall.
“This would allow expansion and facilitate the new regulations that the government was introducing at the time. This also meant that Breda could take on assistants who were interested in working in this sector,” Noreen said.
In 2005 the government realised that there was an urgent need for childcare facilities all over the country and to encourage communities to build, considerable funding was being made available.
“Conna Community Council, always looking for new projects, decided to apply for this funding. Breda Byrne, being the local expert quickly came on board with the new childcare sub-committee.
“A lot of hard work followed with John Leahy, John Martin, Linda O’Keefe, Antoinette O’Donnell, Ann Doocey, Noreen Hamilton and Michael Joyce,” Noreen said.
BIG CHANGES
August 2008 saw the opening of a new custom-built crèche and childcare facility in Conna under the watchful eye of a new Childcare Coordinator, Breda Byrne, and twelve members of staff.
“It was a big undertaking with babies from six months availing of places. This was a new venture offering childcare in Conna and surrounding areas for children from 6 months to 12 years, all under the one roof,” Noreen added.
Once opened, Breda immediately put in place the High Scope Programme, which always puts the needs of the child top and centre of the work.
All new employees are trained in this method and there is ongoing training for all to keep this high standard up.
Since the government introduced the ECC programme which provides free preschool places for all children between three and five years, this was a huge expansion in our childcare programme and meant that Breda had to incorporate large extra numbers of children into the childcare setting.
This meant an increase in staff and currently, about 22 staff are employed in Conna Community Childcare.
“Right from the start Breda has risen to the challenge of the ever-changing world of childcare regulations, and along the way has stepped up to keep us informed and introduced new features to the centre,” Noreen said.
Due to the introduction of the ECC, it became apparent that Conna Community Childcare would need to further expand, and a new room was added in 2019, this is now fully operational.
Friday, June 24 marked Breda’s last day at Conna Community Childcare and so, a guard of honor was assembled by staff at the facility to welcome Breda on her last day, with children, parents, past pupils and Breda’s family members also in attendance for the occasion.
Martina Finn, who is the acting coordinator in Breda’s absence, noted that Breda devoted over 30 years of her life to childcare.
“Breda was very sad to leave as she enjoyed all her time working in childcare but she had given it a lot of thought. Both staff and parents are sorry to see her retire but wish her all the best,” Martina said. HEALTH & HAPPINESS
As chairperson of Conna Community Childcare, Noreen Finn wished Breda all the best on her retirement.
“I suppose she deserves to step back to enjoy a very wellearned retirement. As chairperson, I would like to wish Breda many years of health and happiness as she takes on this new chapter in her life. I know I speak on behalf of John Leahy, Pa Barry, Noeleen Tanner, Sinead Kelleher, Audrey O’Keeffe, Michael Joyce and Mick Hurley in doing so.
“On behalf of the current board of Conna Community Childcare, the Community Council both past and present, we thank you for your commitment and dedication that together with the committees and staff has made Conna Community Childcare the success that it is today,” Noreen concluded.