Clare County Childcare Committee

The Childminding Development Grant - National Childminding Initiative (NCIP)

A new capital grant scheme has been introduced for childminders by the Office of the Minister for Children under the National Investment Programme 2006- 2010.
Childminders can now avail of maximum grant of €1000 provided they meet the outlined criteria.
                                                    
What do I have to do to be eligible for the grant?
1- You should be minding or planning to mind a minimum of two children. At least one child should be on a full time basis, (i.e. 3 ½ hours or more) and one child on a part time basis (less than 3 ½ hours). You may also apply fore the grant in preparation of starting your new service.
2- You must complete the Quality Awareness Programme.
3- You must have up to date and accurate insurance cover for your childminding service.
4- For those childminders caring for 4 or more preschool children you are required to notify the HSE of your service and for those Childminders caring for 3 children or less you have the option of voluntary notifying your service to Clare County Childcare Committee.
5- In order to avail of the maximum grant of €1000, you will also be required to give a commitment to continue your childminding service for 2 years. If you cannot give this commitment you can commit for 1 year and receive €500 .

                                               
What can I use the grant for?
The childminding development grant should be used to improve the safety and quality of the childminding service by allowing the childminder purchase toys or equipment or do minor adaptations to the childminder’s home.
Safety Items- e.g. fire blanket, extinguisher, smoke alarm, socket covers, cupboard locks, first aid kit, fireguard, stair gate, baby monitors or car seats.
Childcare equipment – e.g. changing table, mat, sterilizer, buggy, cot, child sized table and chairs that are of good safety standard, booster seat, step up stools, potty, nappy bin, storage equipment etc.
Play equipment – indoor and outdoors – swing, slide, climbing frame, sand box, ride on toys, role-play equipment (kitchen sets, pretend food, train set), wooden puzzles etc.
Minor Adaptations – e.g. Outdoor fencing or changes to sanitary or play room area etc.

The childminding development grant will cover 90% of the cost of items approved.

What do I do next?
1- Apply for the Quality Awareness programme.
2- Decide on how €1000 could best improve your childminding service. The Clare County Childcare Committee has a pre-paid option with a company called Haboo based in Co. Limerick. The childminder can choose materials from the Haboo catalogue, the company will then deliver to your door and assemble if necessary any larger pieces of equipment. Haboo will then invoice the Clare County Childcare Committee for the €1000 while the childminder pays €100 on receipt of the materials .Alternatively, you may decide to use another toy stockist / supplier.  
3- No purchase should be made until Clare County Childcare Committee has approved your application. Items already purchased cannot be considered for the grant.
4- Complete the application form and send it with your choice of pre-paid equipment or with quotations/ catalogue prices and evidence of insurance to CCCC.
5- Your application will go before an appraisal committee and  if approved you will receive a letter of agreement, which you should sign, and return to CCCC.
6- You may proceed with arranging delivery of your materials or if you choose to go with another supplier you will need to forward the original itemised receipts to CCCC and the grant cheque will then be issued to you.
7- You will receive a check visit from the Childminder Advisory Officer from CCCC or from Pobal with advance notice given.

Who is not eligible to apply for the Grant?

Childminders who do not care for at least two children cannot apply for the grant. Also, childminders caring for children in the children’s own homes are not eligible to apply.

Can I get more than one grant?

If you receive a maximum of €1000  you can reapply for the grant after 2 years from the date of receipt of the grant cheque.

What is the closing date for receipt of application forms?
The grant will be available until December 2010. There is no closing date and applications are now being processed.

For further information on the Quality Awareness Programme or for an application form for the Grant please contact:

Debbie O’ Donovan - Childminding Advisory Officer
Clare County Childcare Committee
1 Kilrush Road,
Ennis,
Co. Clare.

E-mail - debbie.odonovan@clarechildcare.ie