Childminders are to be eligible for a grant of up to €1,000 to invest in equipment for their services.
Under a scheme opened on Tuesday by Minister for Children Norma Foley, childminders who work in their own home can claim the development grant to purchase toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment and other materials. Up to 75 per cent of the total amount will be paid in advance so childminders can tackle upfront costs.
Reforming the childcare sector, including the extension of National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies to childminders, is a goal of a development plan for the sector signed off in 2021 by previous children’s minister Roderic O’Gorman.
The grant is open to both those who have completed their registration with Tusla, and those who are not registered with the watchdog.
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A total of €500,000 is being made available through the Childminding Development Grant. The grant is open to those who are planning to open a childminding business in 2025.
The programme for government commits the coalition to examining the establishment of a professional register for childminders and early-years educators, as well as extending the NCS to childminders working in the family home, promising “sensible regulations that fit home-based care”.
It also pledges to support childminders through the Tusla registration process and expand access to training.
Ms Foley said childminders play an “essential part in the provision of childcare in all parts of the country, and I am fully committed to recognising and supporting their important role, and to following through on the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028. I encourage childminders to avail of this funding opportunity, whether they are already registered or would like support in advance of registration over the next couple of years.”
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