Early childhood workers are calling for increased wages and funding for the sector.
Childcare workers are this afternoon holding protest marches and demonstrations around the country.
The rallies will be held at Children's Minister's constituency office in Swords in Dublin, the City Library in Cork, and Sligo Town Hall.
The Association of Childhood Professionals says the average wage for childcare workers is €10 an hour.
Chairperson of the ACP Marian Quinn said crèche and Montessori owners often had no choice but to reduce the amount they pay employees.
"The only place you can cut (costs) without compromising quality are the wages...Owners are taking less of a wage, and that makes it more unsustainable. People are leaving the workforce as a result," she said.