Childminders across Ireland can now apply for a grant of up to €1,000 to help cover the costs of toys, equipment, and other essential items. The Childminding Development Grant is designed to support both registered and unregistered childminders who provide childcare services in their homes.
Childminders across Ireland are now eligible for a grant of up to €1,000 to help cover the costs of toys and other essential equipment. The Childminding Development Grant is designed to support both registered and unregistered childminders who provide childcare services in their homes.
The grant aims to enhance the quality and safety of childminding services by providing funding for a range of equipment, including toys, childcare essentials, safety gear, equipment that promotes inclusion, and items to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) education. IT equipment that can assist childminders with training and registration processes is also eligible for funding. This grant scheme is open to all childminders, including those planning to start their own childminding business in 2025. To ease the financial burden of purchasing equipment upfront, 75% of the grant is paid in advance. Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, announced the opening of the 2025 Childminding Development Grant on Monday. Minister Foley emphasized the crucial role childminders play in childcare provision across the country and pledged to recognize and support their valuable contribution, aligning with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028. She encouraged all childminders, whether already registered or planning to register in the coming years, to take advantage of this funding opportunity. The grant can be used to purchase quality and safety equipment and contribute towards IT needs. The total budget of €500,000 reflects the high demand for the grant in previous years and demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting childminders in preparing for registration with Tusla. The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 mandated the introduction of regulations specifically for childminders, which came into effect for the first time in September 2024. This allows all childminders to register with Tusla and participate in the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). Childminders previously exempt from regulations have a three-year transition period until 2027, during which they can voluntarily register with Tusla but are not yet required to do so. For more information about the Childminding Development Grant or the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, visit www.gov.ie/childminding or contact your local City or County Childcare Committee. Applications for the 2025 Childminding Development Grant open on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, and close on Friday, 4 April 2025.
Childminders Grant Ireland Childcare Safety Equipment Toys IT Equipment STEAM Education Tusla National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
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