Childminding Initiative
Childminders can now avail of advice, support, information and training from Longford County Childcare Committee. A Childminding Initiative is currently implemented by LCCC, also funding from the National Childcare Investment Programme are available to support childminders in Longford.
Childminding Advisory Officer
Our Childminding Advisory Officer works to support all Childminders in the county. Her role is :
- To provide a free support system for childminders caring for 3 or fewer children.
- To provide information and training to childminders.
- To facilitate the establishment of local support networks of childminders.
- To provide advisory visits to childminders in the home.
The Childminding Advisory Office can be contacted in Longford County Childcare Committee Offices at (043) 3342505 or childminding@longfordchildcare.ie
Focus on Childminding
- Quality childcare for parents is vital. 80% of children are cared for by Childminders in Ireland.
- A childminder is one who cares for a mixed age group of children in their own home.
- Children benefit from a stimulating home-based environment which recognises a child’s individual needs.
- Childminding can be an isolating job with little or no backup support for the childminder.
Support
- Childminding is a unique career.
- Childminders will receive professional ongoing support from the Childminder Advisory Officer.
- Each childminders will be supported as an individual.
- Advisory visits to the childminders homes will be provided.
- Childminders will receive updates on all childminding related issues.
On an Advisory Visit to the home the Childminder Advisory Officer will provide you with a copy of the National Guidelines for Childminders. Safety in the home, a quality stimulating environment is discussed with emphasis on insurance for the minded children.
Childminding Publications
The National Guidelines for Childminders were launched in December 2006. This booklet looks at
- The Role of a Childminder
- Suitability of the Person
- Well Being of the Child
- Physical Environment
- Health and Safety
- What is Notification
- Training
- Tax Relief
The Childminder Support Pack for Voluntary Notification was made available in September 2007. This provides support documentation for Childminders that avail of the Voluntary Notification System. These include First Aid Box Checklist, Fire Drill, Attendance Records, Working Agreement.