At YMCA Dublin, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of background, ability, income or postcode. This belief drives our mission to build healthy, confident, secure, and connected communities. And just like affordability, accessibility is a key part of making that vision a reality.
Accessibility isn’t just about having a place to go. It’s about having a place where every child and every family feels they truly belong.
What Do We Mean by Accessible Childcare?
Accessible childcare means removing financial, geographic, cultural or physical barriers that prevent families from engaging with early learning and care. It means making sure services are within reach, inclusive of diverse needs, and designed with equity at the core.
At YMCA Dublin, this isn’t just a principle, it’s a practice. It’s how we operate every day across our services, and how we are planning for the future.
1. Geography Shouldn’t Determine a Child’s Future
Some of Dublin’s fastest growing areas, like Clongriffin and Belmayne, have seen population surges of more than 60% in just a few years. Yet they still lack access to essential services like childcare, youth work, and family support.
YMCA Dublin is responding by expanding into underserved and newly developing communities, starting with two new community hubs in Belmayne (D13) and De Verdon Place (D17). These hubs will offer local families real, practical support – from childcare and youth work to broader community services – built with and for the communities they serve.
“Accessible childcare isn’t just about having the right service – it’s about having that service located where families live and grow. When support is available for families within their community, it opens doors to connection, opportunity, and long-term change. That helps to build healthy, confident and secure communities.” – Stuart Buchanan, Head of Children & Family Services, YMCA Dubli
2. Inclusion Has to Be Intentional
At YMCA Dublin, accessibility means more than just opening the door – it means designing services that reflect and respect the full range of children’s needs. This includes:
- Welcoming neurodivergent children and those with learning or physical disabilities
- Guiding families to appropriate external supports and services
- Equipping staff with training in inclusive practice and trauma-informed care
We also provide wraparound support, recognising that families often need more than just childcare. Through our Family Support service, parents and carers can access personalised support and advocacy, and be connected to appropriate specialist services.
“One of the main determinants of social exclusion of children is the unequal access to key services, essential for their well-being and the development of their social, cognitive and emotional skills. Children living in poverty or children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to face barriers in accessing early childhood education and care, inclusive education, healthcare, healthy nutrition and adequate housing.” – EU Council Recommendation 2021/1004
3. No Family should be left out because of income
Accessible childcare also means economic inclusion. At YMCA Dublin, we work to ensure that no family is priced out of quality early learning and care. We provide stigma-free support to help families access subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme and other financial supports. We believe that when children from all backgrounds learn and play together in an inclusive environment, it builds empathy, equality and connection from the earliest years. Our model ensures that every family has equitable, dignified access to the full range of supports, regardless of income.
For many families, accessible childcare isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. Without it, their ability to work, study, and participate in their community would be negatively impacted:
“It would be life-changing. One of us would probably have to stop working for some time.” – YMCA Childcare parent, reflecting on the importance of accessible childcare.
Our Integrated Approach
At YMCA Dublin, childcare doesn’t stand alone. It’s part of an integrated model that also includes family support, youth work, and community services – so families can access the services they need, all in one trusted place.
This joined-up approach means we can:
- Offer flexible, community-shaped services
- Build inclusive, welcoming environments
- Support long-term change across generations
Because for us, accessible childcare isn’t just a service – it’s the foundation of thriving, connected communities.
As we expand into new areas, our focus remains the same: making sure every family knows they have a place – and a community – they can count on.