A Childminder, single-handedly takes care of pre-school children (children under 6 years of age and not yet in primary school), including the childminder’s own children, in the childminder’s home.  A childminder can provide for a maximum of 5 children at any one time, including their own children under the age of 6 or not yet in primary school (Child Care Act 1991).

The Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth Launched the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 in April 2021. Click on the links below for more information in relation to the plan.

Website full URL – https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/df207-national-action-plan-for-childminding-2021-2028/

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/nationalactionplanforchildminding

YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbDzj7-W-ptvqOFk0ysiYQ

NAPC video ENG – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnRYczchryY&t=8s

NAPC video GA – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuiR66nvTJk

Childminding Poster

Phone and Email Consultations provide general set-up information, that is an overview of the Registration/Notification Process, Insurance Requirements, Garda Vetting and information on Qualifications and Training Opportunities.

Face to Face/ Virtual Meetings – when meeting with those interested in setting-up a Childminding Business, we provide an Information Pack – ‘A Step by Step Guide to becoming a Professional Childminder’. This pack includes:

• Childminding – First Steps’: This booklet contains information on skills, roles & responsibilities of a Childminder, legal aspects of Childminding, commonly asked questions.
• National Guidelines for Childminders
• Childminding – Next Steps’: This book contains information on developing policies & procedures, appropriate record keeping, garda vetting, health & safety awareness, etc. Templates for Record Keeping and Policies & Procedures.
• Tusla Registration information booklet

Financial Management – Registering your business, calculating tax, income & expenditure

Click here to view a helpful ‘Ask the Team’ poster for childminders in relation to Financial Management

A Guide to becoming a Childminder  are intended to provide guidance for good practice, to assist Childminders

The Childminding Development Grant can be used to purchase toys, educational materials and equipment or make some minor household adaptations to assist the Childminder in developing a quality service.

Click here to find out more about grants available.

Tusla registration information booklet for Childminders

National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028

Childminding Sample Policies and Procedures

Childminding Ireland – Covid -19 Childminding Guidelines

Childminding infection control policy

Childminding Risk Assessment Template

Childminding Sample Record Keeping Forms

Childminding Sample contract with parents

DCEDIY Advice for Childminders

Advice during COVID-19 – Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare First 5 – Guidance for Reopening Childminding Services

For further information go to -Advice during COVID-19 – Early Learning and Care and School-Age ChildcareFirst 5 – Guidance for ReopeningChildminders Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Covid-19

Aistear

Siolta

Aistear Siolta Practice Guide

Barnardos Resources – Guidance for Childminders

Guidance for Childminders: Partnership with Parents – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop

Guidance for Childminders: Providing for Play – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop

Guidance for Childminders: Stories and Storytelling – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop

Guidance for Childminders: Supporting Language Development – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop

Guidance for Childminders: Understanding Children’s Behaviour – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop

Guidance for Childminders: Settling In and Developing Relationships – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop

The Role of the Childminder in Early Learning – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop

Guidance for Childminders – Listening and Responding to Babies and You – Barnardos Ireland Online Shop