Childminding Initiative

The main supports available can be divided in five main areas:

• Training
• Information
• Networking
• NCIP and CMDG grants
• National Guidelines for Childminders: Voluntary Notification

A Childminder offers single-handed childcare for a small group of children of mixed aged in a “home from home setting”. Childminders provide affection and respect in an environment where their developmental and recreational needs are met. Childminders offer a flexible service tailored to each child’s needs thereby helping parents to balance their work and family life. The Childminding Initiative has been developed to support Childminders in their role. A list of Childminders known to the Leitrim County Childcare Committee is available to parents looking for a Childminder. Childminders may also advertise their service in the Leitrim County Childcare Committee annual advert.
Download Provider Advertisement Form (pdf)

Training

Can include the following; “Introduction to Childminding” Courses are run, twice a year, Occupational First Aid and Occupational First Aid Refresher, Action Kids training, Media Anti-bias training, and a FETAC level 5 course. Training is planned on an annual basis depending on the identified training needs of Childminders

Introduction to Childminding Course Presentation of Certificates November 2008 Back row Tutor Martina Gilmartin, Ursula Harte, Kathleen Curran, Orla Mc Keon Childminding Advisory Worker LCCC, Front Row, Pronum Singh, Kathleen Gaffney, & Mahamueda Islum

Information

Childminders are provided with regular mail outs informing them of up coming events, training and developments in the sector at a local, national and international level. Christmas events have been run each year bringing Childminders and the families of the children in their care together. Parents wishing to find a Childminder can contact the Leitrim County Childcare Committee to get a list of Childminders known to us, parents will also be provided with information around what to look for in a Childminder and what questions to ask a potential Childminder.
Download 1st Step Brochure PDF 243KB
Download Next Steps Brochure PDF 419KB
Download Tax Information Brochure PDF 288KB

Networking

Currently there are two Childminders Networks in operation, one in the south and one in the north of the county. These networks include Coffee mornings, workshop and a chance to meet other Childminders. Twice a year a trip to Connaught Creative Resource Centre in Castlebar is organised which gives Childminders the chance to stock up on vital arts and crafts supplies
One to one advice and support visits are provided to Childminders by the Childminding Advisory Worker

NCIP and CMDG Grants

Childminders Development Grant.
The Childminding Development Grant is designed to assist Childminders, already providing a childminding service in their own homes, to enhance safety/quality in the service through the purchase of small capital items, equipment, toys or minor adaptation costs. It may also give financial assistance to new or prospective Childminders with their initial set up costs. The maximum grant available is €1,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

• A Childminder who is providing an existing service or proposing a new service
• A Childminder who provides/proposes (not including Childminders own children) for at least 3 children on a part-time basis or 1 child full-time
• Be notified to the HSE or Voluntary Notified to Leitrim County Childcare Committee
• Have completed the Introduction to Childminding Course
• Provide proof of insurance
• Operate for a minimum of 2yrs following receiving the grant

NCIP Capital Grants
Under this strand of funding a Childminders can apply to up to €15,000 per new full-time childcare place created. Under the quality strand of this programme a Childminder can apply for up to €5,000 per full-time childcare place to carry out “essential renovations” which will improve the quality of the service currently being provided.
Download the Childminder’s Development Grant Form (pdf)

National Guidelines for Childminders: Voluntary Notification

A Childminder is a self-employed person who minds other people’s children in the Childminder’s home. If a Childminder minds more than 3 children, (i.e. not yet attending national school) than he/she is obliged to notify the HSE of his/her childminding service.

Childminders, along with parents and their children enjoying some of the activities as part of our Annual Childminder’s Christmas event which was held in the Ramada Hotel Drumshanbo on November 30th 2008

As a Childminder if you are minding 3 or less children you now have the opportunity to voluntarily notify that a service is being provided and can do so by contacting your Childminding Advisory Worker at Leitrim County Childcare Committee.

The process of Voluntary Notification is one of Self Evaluation based on the National Guidelines for Childminders.
Voluntary Notification benefits Childminders by opening up access to a range of supports including information, networking, training and grant aid.

It also benefits Childminder’s who wish to; operate to high standards, have their work valued and recognised, avail of €15,000 Childminder Tax Exemption, remove feelings of isolation, contact parents seeking home- based childcare and one to one advice and support from the Childminding Advisory Worker.