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Childminders

Childminding Week 22nd - 27th March 2010

National Childminding Week is upon us again and this year childminders are demonstrating how we encourage our children to go out and play as much as possible. In line with this year's theme, 'Let's Get Out and Play', we have lots of plans locally to tie in with National Activities.

All childminders are welcome to attend our events over the week, in particular the free Childminding Week Saturday Seminar on 27th March at the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Road. There will be a morning of networking and information workshops, culminating in a special lunch for all attending. We will also be launching a special resource for childminders on the day, as well as presentations for the Garden Nature Trail Exhibition. Templates have been sent out to Childminders this week to participate in the exhibition. Click here for more details about the Childminders' Seminar on Saturday the 27th of March.

QUALITY CHILDMINDING

A new poster and flier celebrating quality childminding was launched at our our Annual Conference. Parents are advised on what to look for when seeking a QUALITY childminder. Click here to download flier - if you would like a poster, please contact our offices and we'll send one out to you.
Childminders' Equipment Swap

Childminders are often interested in whether the Galway City and County Childcare Committee has any available second-hand equipment or toys. Our last network meeting 'toy swap' was a great success. We've had a number of queries on equipment since and while it's up to you childminders to arrange the swap, we can facilitate the information swap. You can e-mail the Committee with any requests or offers of toys and equipment and the Childminding Advisory Officer (CMAO) will upload the information here once we have a list.
Contact CMAO, Colette Coughlan for further details: colette@galwaychildcare.com

CURRENT REQUESTS:
  • baby equipment, including cot
  • children's bicycles for outdoor play

CURRENT OFFERS:

  • one baby walker
  • two toddler cots

Training

The brand new Spring Training Schedule for Childminders is now available. Don't forget that if you are availing of the Childminders' Development Grant, you are required to complete the free Quality Awareness Programme (QAP) and the Keeping Safe (Children First) training. First Aid and Manual Handling Courses are also available to childminders at a subsidised rate. Click on the link below for a full programme of training events.



CMDG 2008-10

Those of you availing of the Childminders' Development Grant (CMDG) are asked to spend any outstanding remainder by September 2010. Childminders are reminded that you must be in operation as a Childminder for two years from the initial approval for the grant. CMDG verification visits will continue over the coming months. All CMDG funds have now been allocated. We will inform you of any further funding as soon as possible.

CMAO VISITS

While I am conscious that new part-time hours means that I can't get around to visit you all as much or as often as I would like, I am here to support you in any way I can. I am available to take your call each morning till 1pm and the office is open till 5pm.

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