Steps to Becoming a Childminder

Role of a childminder

A Childminder cares for a small group of children of mixed ages in a “home
from home” setting. Children are welcomed as individuals, they are offered
affection and respect and their developmental and recreational needs are met.
Childminders offer a flexible service, tailored to each child, thereby helping
parents and guardians to balance their work and family commitments. A
Childminder negotiates and agrees her/his terms with parents.

(National Guidelines for Childminders 2008, 2)

Step 1

Look at your home environment and ask yourself the following questions;

Do I have adequate space in my home to provide opportunities for play, indoors and out, places for children to sleep, eat, change nappies, etc?
Are others in my family supportive of my plans and aware of the implications to everyone in the home, including noise, untidiness, wear and tear, a constant busy
atmosphere, parents coming and going, etc?
Are others in my family prepared to share my time, their own family home with other children?
Will I have the time and energy at the end of a busy childminding day to devote to my own family and our household needs as well as time to prepare for the next day?
Am I aware of the importance of finding time for myself, to provide balance in caring for minded children, my own family and myself to avoid stress, fatigue and burnout?

Often a person decides to set up a Childminding Service without realising the full impact on their home, their family and themselves. If, after considering the issues raised above, you still feel you are a suitable candidate to provide home based childcare you can act on step 2 or 3.

(Childminders Information Booklet 2008,5)

Step 2

Download and read:

National Guidelines for Childminders
Childminder Support pack
Send the voluntary notification form and self evaluation form to the Childminder Advisory officer. (details on Childminder page)
You will receive an advisory phone call to arrange a home visit to discuss childminding in the home and what supports and opportunities are available to you.

Step 3

Contact the Childminder Advisory Officer at 043 3342505 and she will send you

National Guidelines for childminders
Childminder Support pack
The CMAO will arrange an advisory visit to your home via telephone and will assist you in completing the voluntary notification form/self evaluation form.
She will discuss childminding in the home and what supports and opportunities are available to you.

Benefits to you as a Childminder

When you are voluntary notified to the HSE you can mind 3 or less children only.
Your childminding service will be on the vacancy list for parents once you have a current childminding insurance policy.
You can advertise your childminding service on the Childminder vacancy page on this website.
You can apply for the start up grant to the value of €1000 (see details under Childminder Development grant)
You can complete training courses for a minimal charge (list of training courses available from the CMAO)
You can attend the local coffee/fun mornings etc for Childminders free or charge.
You can avail of a €15,000 tax exemption and pay your PRSI of €253 per annum
You can avail of a free accountant mentoring service for your first visit.
You can contact the CMAO advice line 043 3342505 at any time for support advice and information.