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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