News
Please keep an eye on this page for any news updates on Childcare related issues both nationally and in North Tipperary!
Free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
The ECCE is a new scheme designed to give children access to a free Pre-School Year of appropriate programme-based activities in the year before they start primary school. Participation in a pre-school programme provides children with their first formal experience of early learning, the starting-point of their educational and social development outside the home. Children who avail of pre-school are more likely to be ready for school and a formal learning and social environment.
The ECCE is open to all children aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on 1 September each year. To avail of the free pre-school year in January 2010, children must have been born between
2nd February 2005 and 30th June 2006. To avail of the year in September 2010, children must have been born between 2nd February 2006 and 30th June 2007.For further information on the new free pre-school year contact Geraldine on 067-44888 or Edel on 067-44887 in the North Tipperary County Childcare Committee.
Or alternatively you can download the following:
Information and advice on Influenza A(H1N1) for Childcare Settings and Parents / Carers
Influenza A(H1N1) has spread rapidly around the world and is thought to be highly infectious. It has already affected large numbers of people globally and will likely cause more severe illness and deaths than ordinary flu.
Symptoms will probably be sudden and severe and may include:
- Temperature over 38°C / 100.4°F
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Severe weakness and fatigue
- Aching muscles and joints
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Vomiting / diarrhoea
These can lead to complications some of which may be severe.
As you will be aware, children under 5 (and particular under 2) are considered to be at high risk from the swine flu virus.
Childcare Providers are advised to put in place specific contingency plans in the event of a swine flu pandemic. The Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) have produced the following document which gives guidance on some actions childcare providers can take:
'Guidance for Crèches / Pre-School Settings in preparing for Influenza
A(H1N1)'.
The HSE have produced
'Information and
medical advice for the public on Influenza A(H1N1)'
.
Further information can be accessed by logging onto
www.hse.ie.
The Department of Health and Children (DOHC) have
produced a
'National Influenza Pandemic Plan'
.
Further information can be accessed by logging onto
www.dohc.ie.
A Guide to Choosing Childcare in North Tipperary
We are delighted to announce the launch of our latest publication 'A Guide to Choosing Childcare in North Tipperary'. This leaflet details the childcare choices available to Parents / Carers in North Tipperary and is available in English, Irish, Polish, Hungarian and Russian. To access your preferred language click on the links below:
A printed English version will shortly be available from any North Tipperary Library and Citizen Information Centre.
NCIP Childminding Development Grant (2008 - 2010)
From the 26th May 2008 until the closure of the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) in December 2010, a new and enhanced Childminding Development Grant will be available to all Childminders. It replaces the previous Childminding Development Grant and will continue to be administered by the North Tipperary County Childcare Committee.
The good news is that the maximum grant amount has been increased from €630 to €1,000 and can be claimed against validated expenditure on equipment, toys or minor household adaptations.
It is a condition of the grant that Childminders who are subject to the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006 have notified their service to the HSE. To avail of the maximum grant, a Childminder must give a commitment to operate as a Childminder for not less than 2 years with a pro-rata reduction in the grant level where a shorter-term commitment is given. Childminders who received a Development Grant under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) during 2004 – 2007, may apply for funding under the new NCIP scheme. Childminders may also re-apply under the NCIP scheme after 2 years, where their first NCIP grant was at the maximum level.
An information leaflet for Childminders on the new Grant Scheme and other relevant issues is currently being drawn up and should be available at the beginning of June 2008. To receive a copy you can contact us on 067-44888.
Childcare Strategy 2007 - 2010
The North Tipperary County Childcare Committee's Childcare Strategy 2007 - 2010 was officially launched by Minister of State for Children Brendan Smith T.D. The event was held in the County Council Chambers at the Civic Offices, Nenagh, and was well attended by childcare providers, government officials, local councillors and representatives of the statutory, community and voluntary sectors.
This strategy follows and builds on the experience of the previous 2002 - 2006 Childcare Strategy for North Tipperary. During this time considerable progress has been made in terms of promoting quality in childcare services and in supporting childcare providers to avail of training, information and funding.
Childcare Strategy 2007 - 2010
Men In Childcare - New DVD release “The Face of Men in Irish Childcare”
The Men in Childcare (MIC) Network (Ireland) launched its new DVD, The Face of Men in Irish Childcare, in Cork recently as part of its effort to increase the representation of men in this very rewarding sector. The DVD hears from the men, their colleagues and parents on the positive impacts that men can make.
The DVD showcases the work of six men in different childcare settings and aims to raise awareness of the role that men can play in this sector.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this DVD at €10 including postage and packaging, please contact us on 067-44888.
Download a copy of the Men in Childcare leaflet here
You can also download a copy of the Men in Childcare Resource list here
Guide to Childcare Training Paths
North Tipperary County Childcare Committee together with Limerick City And
County Childcare Committees recently produced a Guide
to Childcare Training Paths (1.6 MB)
. This brochure summarises potential
career opportunities within the childcare profession, outlining the different
branches of the profession from working at practical level to the support
and development of the sector. This guide also outlines the National Framework
of Qualifications. Copies of this guide can be obtained from the County Childcare
Committee office.
Childcare Staffing problems solved with Last Minute Minders.com
Last Minute Minders.com is Ireland's only childcare staff solutions
website, providing a safe, secure, convenient and easy way for providers to
find childcare staff.
You can also become a last minute minder.
For more information just simply log onto lastminuteminders.com or email info@lastminuteminders.com
Library Links
More people will now have better access to childcare information in Tipperary thanks to the launch of a new childcare section in the County Libraries. North Tipperary County Childcare Committee, in collaboration with County Tipperary Library Service, continues to develop this service which is now available in all libraries in the region. New books have now been added to these childcare sections enabling greater access to childcare providers, students, parents and the general public.
New childcare resources will be purchased from time to time as they become available for the library. Information leaflets, newsletters and publications will also be made available to library branches. There will be provision for inclusion of relevant publications on all areas relevant to childcare including disadvantage, social inclusion and equality/diversity issues.
For more information you can also contact Nenagh, Templemore and Thurles Libraries directly or for any of the other libraries in the North Tipperary region contact the County Tipperary Library Service.
Policies & Procedures Guide
The Childcare Committees of North Tipperary, Limerick City, Limerick County & Clare with the Health Service Executive, Mid Western Area Pre-school Inspection and Information Service, recently launched 'A Guide to Developing Policies in an Early Years Setting'.
To
view PDF documents you will need to download
Adobe Reader from the Adobe website.
