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Parent & Toddler Groups

Many Parents / Carers of young children enjoy the opportunity to meet with other Parents / Carers of similar aged children.  Parent & Toddler groups are a great way in which this can happen in a safe and secure environment in their own locality, usually on a weekly basis.  Such groups may have traditionally been aimed at mothers but now it is widely encouraged and accepted for either Parent / Carer to attend.

Such groups allow for Parents / Carers to enjoy time with their children away from the home and to interact with others of a similar situation.  These groups can also help to prepare the child for progression into childcare away from the Parent / Carer i.e. pre-school or play group.  It can provide Parents / Carers with support and contact that otherwise may be minimal and therefore can lead to a greater sense of belonging within their community.  Parent & Toddler groups may also be an invaluable source of information and access to other resources such as training and employment.

Parent & Toddler groups are often held in local community centres, church halls or homes of group members. 

For details on Parent & Toddler Groups in North Tipperary please contact Helen on 067-44886.

Parent and Toddler Groups Initiative Grants 2010

Originally Parent & Toddler Group Grants were available through the Katherine Howard Foundation (KHF).  The KHF is an independent grant-making foundation whose particular emphasis is on the support of community projects and initiatives.  This foundation was established in 1979 by Katherine Howard and is operated through a voluntary Board of trustees and small support staff.

 

However, a Parent and Toddler Group Initiative Grants Scheme 2010 is now in operation through a strategic partnership between the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) and the Katherine Howard Foundation under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 - 2010.

 

This initiative developed a support and information strategy, in collaboration with City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) nationally, to assist the promotion and expansion of Parent and Toddler Groups.  The grants recognise that Parent & Toddler Groups are providing informal support to Parents / Carers, grandparents and childminders as well as to young children.  These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new Parents / Carers and families new to an area.

  

Application Forms and Guidelines for 2010 funding for Parent and Toddler Groups are now available from the office of North Tipperary County Childcare Committee.  To receive a copy of the application form and guidelines, or if you have any queries in relation to the application form or the guidelines please contact Helen on 067-44886.

This programme is funded by the Irish Government under the National Childcare Investment Programme.

Other agencies such as the HSE may also be able to provide grant aid to those wishing to establish or maintain a Parent & Toddler group. 

For further information you can contact:

HSE,
Childcare Dept,

Civic Offices,

Limerick Road,
Nenagh,
Co. Tipperary.

067-38310

 

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