CDI Newsletter Spring 2025

Launch of Online School Avoidance Toolkit and CDI’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028

On April 4th we launch of our Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and CDI’s School Avoidance Toolkit — formally launched by Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon. 

Ireland’s first Online School Avoidance Toolkit from CDI 
School avoidance is a growing crisis, leaving many children disengaged. On 4th April, we will launch Ireland’s first Online School Avoidance Toolkit—a free, research-backed resource for educators and professionals. It offers structured approaches to support children’s return to education, aligning with CDI’s new strategic plan. 

CDI’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028 
We will also launch our new Strategic Plan 2025–2028. Guided by collaboration, innovation, and strong partnerships, CDI’s strategy will ensure that research-driven initiatives shape our work over the next three years. Our new plan strives to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities through evidence-based strategies and strong partnerships. 

CDI Doodle STEAM Programme Evaluation Report 

CDI’s evidence-informed Doodle STEAM Programme introduces parents to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) and provides practical and fun activities through which to develop confidence in these areas. Delivered over eight weeks, the programme promotes hands-on learning, boosting parental confidence and engagement in disadvantaged communities.  

This recently published CDI Doodle STEAM Programme Evaluation Report assessed the Doodle STEAM Programme’s impact on parents’ STEAM knowledge, confidence, and competence. After the eight-week programme: 

• 92% of parents felt knowledgeable about STEAM subjects 
• 98% of parents felt confident in talking to their child about STEAM 
• 94% of parents felt confident doing STEAM activities with their child 
• 72% of parents repeated STEAM activities learned during Doodle STEAM sessions with their child after the programme had ended, and 31% of parents sought out other STEAM activities to do with their child. 

See the latest Doodle STEAM Newsletter.

New Starters

We are pleased to welcome several new members to the CDI team:  

• Mairéad Byrne joins us from the HSE as our new Chit Chat Co-ordinator and Senior Speech and Language Therapist.
• Joy Hanna and Naomi Hurley have joined our Powerful Parenting team as Parent Carer Facilitators: Home Visitors, working in our Tallaght Community.

You can meet them and the rest of our talented team on our website.

Recruitment

We are actively recruiting for Associate Quality Specialists. Join us at CDI, where an inclusive environment fosters growth, collaboration, and innovation. Visit Work with us to find out more.