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).

Roscommon County Childcare Committee, can provide information and support to Childminders and those interested in Setting-Up a Childminding Business. This service is delivered by one of our Childcare Development Officers. The Childcare Development Officer will provide relevant information to you by phone, email or in a face to face/ Virtual meeting.

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.

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

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 download 2021 Grant Application.

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