Like A "Punch To The Stomach": Support Worker Cancellation Delays Preschool Start For Zachary Alexander

Zachary from Newbridge, one of Ireland’s "Miracle Children," has overcome numerous challenges since birth.

This week marked a joyful milestone for many children starting preschool and school for the first time across Ireland.

However, for Zachary Alexander, a child with additional needs, the day took a disappointing turn.

Zachary from Newbridge, one of Ireland’s "Miracle Children," has overcome numerous challenges since birth.

After receiving approval for level 7 AIM support - funding for an assistant to help him integrate into preschool - his parents were excited for him to start.

However, just as they were en route to the preschool, they were informed that the AIM support worker had pulled out, leaving Zachary unable to begin his preschool journey.

The family, who have tirelessly advocated for Zachary, now face an indefinite delay as the preschool must restart the hiring process.

His mother, Marian Slevin, told Kildare Today that she doesn't have the heart to tell him that he won't be going to preschool.

She said she will "try her best to distract him" until an AIM support worker becomes available.

"It felt like someone punched me in the stomach," she said. "I didn't know how to tell him he wouldn't be going to preschool after all the excitement we built up."

She said this incident highlights the fragility of the system designed to support children with additional needs.

"One phone call from a support worker, and your child can't go to school," Marian said, reflecting on the broader issues plaguing the system, including low wages, inadequate hours, and a lack of hiring support.

The preschool is now tasked with rehiring for the position, a process that takes time and resources.

Marian said there should be a centralised system for matching qualified support workers with schools in need.

"Why don't we have a centralised system?" she asked. "Something that matches qualified people with the hours and locations that suit them, and ensures they're paid fairly."

For now, the family is in a holding pattern, trying to maintain Zachary's excitement about school while they wait for a new support worker to be found.

"He's so excited about school, and I don’t want to ruin that for him. We’re trying to keep him distracted until we find a replacement."