St. Vincents ECDS Daughters of Charity

St. Vincent’s Early Childhood Development Service (ECDS) is part of the Daughters of Charity Child and Family Service, a not‑for‑profit public service organisation operating across the greater Leinster region. The ECDS provides therapeutic, supportive childcare for children and families, with a particular focus on those experiencing vulnerability or additional needs. In 2024 the service supported 415 children and families, including 27 % of children with extra needs and 92 children living in Direct Provision centres, reflecting a commitment to inclusive, needs‑led care. The service adopts a strengths‑based, solution‑focused approach, working closely with families to promote the dignity and potential of every child. It operates alongside a suite of complementary services – Family Centres, Assessment Centres, and a Gender, Sexual & Domestic Abuse Service – to deliver a holistic, quality‑led response to children at risk and families most in need. This integrated model ensures that early childhood development is supported within a broader therapeutic framework, fostering safe, nurturing environments for young children to thrive.