Sir, - Kathleen Haverty takes your reporter Jackie Bourke to task for her comments on Early Start. Her ire might be more appropriately aimed at Micheal Martin, Minister for Education and Science, who has publicly stated on more than one occasion that Early Start has not met its objectives, and that in view of the need to provide value for money, it is unlikely to be expanded in its present form.
If the Minister is looking for a form of pre-school care and education which has proven benefits and provides excellent value for money, he need look no further than this organisation's High/Scope Project, based in disadvantaged communities in the Border regions.
This project shows significantly better value for money, at a cost per child per year of ú870 against ú1,228 for Early Start, and the gains for children, parents and communities far outstrip those of Early Start. Don't shoot the messenger, check the message. - Yours, etc.,
Hilary Kenny, Director of Services, IPPA, Early Childhood Organisation, North King Street, Dublin 7.