Since being established in 2007, the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) has developed an extensive suite of evidence-informed interventions to improve outcomes for children and families. We are proud of the high-quality services we deliver, the many partnerships we have nurtured, and the relationships we have developed within Tallaght and, increasingly, nationally.
CDI has delivered literacy support to over 5,000 children and their parents; every year, we work with around 800 parents and 1,200 professionals and deliver 2,560 literacy sessions. In addition, we provide baby massage, parent education, numerous focused seminars on subjects such as children’s language development, mental health and wellbeing, and tips for reading with your child. Our flagship literacy programme, Doodle Den, was the second Irish-developed programme to be included in the UK Early Intervention Foundations’ Guidebook for evidence-based programmes, and in 2019, we were delighted to be the first Irish partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
In 2014, we received a European award for our excellent prevention and early intervention work, being recognised as a leader in this sector. In 2023, we were awarded the highest-level Q mark for our management systems and adhered to the Charities Institute of Ireland’s triple lock standards. Our commitment to excellence continues.
Awards we have received!
CDI has so much that we are proud of. Of course, the work we provide to children and families and the sometimes small changes that can make all the difference to our life opportunities, self-esteem, and mental health are what really keep us going. But it is great to be recognised by others for our work and to receive external validation. These are a few highlights!
Award-Winning Workplace Culture
Excellence in Business and Management — Q Mark
Since 2021 we have been awarded ‘EIQA (Excellence Ireland Quality Association) Q Mark‘ for excellence in business and management practices. The Q Mark for excellence further underscores our organisation’s commitment to delivering exceptional programmes, services, and customer/stakeholder experiences. [add link to news article on our website]
The Q Mark for Quality Management Systems is a renowned business excellence framework that thoroughly evaluates all aspects of an organisation, including Leadership and Commitment, Employee Engagement, Customer and Stakeholder Experience, and Excellent Business Systems and Processes.
In 2023 CDI achieved the highest-level Q Mark (Level 3) in recognition of our commitment to maintaining top-quality standards in everything we do. Receiving the Q Mark is a tremendous honour. It is the result of our entire team’s hard work and dedication. We are incredibly proud of this award and what it means to us. It confirms that we continuously strive to provide the best quality services to you and our community.
This is an exceptional result for an exceptional organisation. Since joining the Q Mark programme in 2021, CDI has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to high standards and to continuously improving services they provide to their local community. We rarely see the Q Mark principles so well executed – to enter at Level 2 is unusual, and to achieve Level 3 within three years is something that has been achieved by only very few organisations. Our warmest congratulations to Tara, Marian and all the team in CDI.
Marie Doyle-Henry, Director of Operations, EIQA
Best Not-for-Profit Organisation — South Dublin County Business Awards
In October, 2023 CDI’s exceptional achievements in Restorative Practices training and support were recognised by being awarded for “Best Not-for-Profit Organisation” at the South Dublin County Business Awards, hosted by the South Dublin Chamber. [add link to news article on our website, include link to Echo].
“We are thrilled to have our efforts acknowledged with the ‘Best Not-for-Profit Organisation’ award. Restorative Practices (RP) is an evidence-based approach for improving staff and customer relationships and reducing conflicts in organisations. This recognition reflects our entire CDI team’s dedication and hard work, from our board to our team of 19 excellent Restorative Practices Quality Specialists nationwide.”
Claire Casey, Restorative Practices (RP) Manager, CDI.
‘Triple Lock’ Standard
CDI also maintains a ‘Triple Lock’ standard with the Charities Institute of Ireland and continued adherence to the ‘Charities Governance Code’ as devised by the Charities Regulator.
CDI’s commitment to employee development, diversity, value and inclusion, and work-life balance has continued. We create opportunities for growth and provide a supportive context that enables our employees to thrive personally and professional.
Great Place to Work
In 2021—2022, we were recognised with the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ award — a testament to our organisation’s exceptional workplace culture. It recognised our efforts in fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. The achievement reflects our cultivated positive work atmosphere, emphasising teamwork, collaboration, and employee well-being.
Continuing Our Commitment to Excellence
These achievements not only demonstrate CDI’s commitment to excellence but also signify our unwavering commitment to quality. We will continue to build upon these achievements and strive for even greater success. We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive, engaging workplace culture and delivering unparalleled quality and customer satisfaction. Our commitment to excellence will remain at the forefront of our work and approach as we continue to impact our community and beyond positively.
Member of the South Dublin Chamber
We are members of the South Dublin Chamber to further our work on our local and national community. The valuable connections we make through the chamber will help us continue to make a meaningful contribution to our wider community, ensuring our area is a great place to live and work.
