Training for Childminders:

QAP Quality Awareness Programme (Introduction to Childminding)

10 Hour course aimed at childminders, parents or anybody interested in finding out more about childminding in their own home, the child's home or a combination of both. The QAP Course is the minimum requirement of Voluntary Notification and will cover the four main areas of childcare in the home namely:

First Aid Course:
18 hour certificate course is aimed at childminders working in their own home or the child's home. The course will be delivered by the Irish Red Cross. Start date Thursday 21st September.

Children First -Child Protection Workshop for childminders
Like all other childcare providers, Childminders need to be aware of child protection issues. The 'Children First' workshop is designed and delivered by the Children First Information Officer with the HSE. The aim of the workshop is to raise Childminders awareness of child protection issues that may relate to them. Participants on the workshop will:

• gain an overview of the legal context on child protection
• have a better understanding of the term abuse and awareness of who can abuse
• have an awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse
• will be able to develop guidelines on how to deal with disclosures and developing their own child protection policy

Fire Safety
Fire training is recommended for Childminders as it is essential that Childminders have training in the evacuation of children in the event of a fire in the Childminding service.

• Fire Training
• Fire Demo
• Risk ands Hazards
• Home Protection
• Fire Services Act 1981
• Education Procedures
• Fire Drills
• Call Emergency services
• Extinguisher Training
• Fire Register
• Duties of Fire Wardens

FETAC Level 5 in Childcare Major Award

Explanation of Modules

FETAC Level 5 Childcare Module "Working in Childcare"
This FETAC level 5 module is designed to equip the participant with the personal skills and knowledge required to work in a professional manner with children, parents and colleagues either in the home or a childcare setting. It aims to promote good practise, equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in lifestyles, religion and culture in early years.
Duration: 30-40 hours
Accreditation: FETAC Level 5

FETAC Level 5 Childcare Module "Early Childhood Education"
The FETAC level 5 module is designed to enable the participant to investigate the purpose and potential of play activities during children's development from 0-6 years. It aims to promote good practise, equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in lifestyles, religion and culture in early years care.
Duration: 30-40 hours
Accreditation: FETAC Level 5

FETAC Level 5 Childcare Module "Caring for Children (0-6yrs)"
Module is designed to equip the participant with the skills and knowledge to care for children from 0-6 yrs.' either in the home or as part of a supervised team in a childcare setting. Module aims to promote good practise, equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in lifestyles, religion and culture and the maintenance of a healthy, hygienic and safe environment for children.
Duration: 30-40 hours
Accreditation: FETAC Level 5

FETAC Level 5 Childcare Module "Child Development"
Module is designed to provide the participant with an introduction to the theory and practise of child development from 0-6 yrs. The module aims to promote religion and culture in early years care.
Duration: 40-50 hours
Accreditation: FETAC Level 5

FETAC Level 5 Childcare Module "Childminding Practice"
This module is designed to equip the participant with the skills and knowledge to care for children in a home setting. The module aims to promote good practice, equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in lifestyles, religion and culture in early years care.
Duration: 30-40 hours
Accreditation: FETAC Level 5

FETAC Level 5 Childcare Module "Communication"
Communication skills are highly valued in the workplace but this module extends beyond vocational needs, recognising that the acquisition of these skills is a life long process, and central to personal, social and professional development and fulfilment.
Duration: 30-40 hours
Accreditation: FETAC Level 5

FETAC Level 5 Childcare Module "Work Experience"
This module is designed to meet the needs of the participants undertaking a wide range of Level 5 further education and training courses. Work Experience is a planned experiential learning activity and is an integral part of the education process. It involves participants' planning and preparing for work, working under direction in a specific vocational area and reviewing and evaluating that work. The experience of work enables participants to develop work skills, evaluate employment opportunities and cope with changing work environments.
Duration: 30-40 hours
Accreditation: FETAC Level 5

Childminding Practice FETAC Level 5 Module
This course is aimed at childminders or those wishing to start a childminding service from their own home or the child's home. The course is 50 hour usually run one night a week over approx. 15 night, and is specifically designed for childminders (not suitable for those wishing to work in a pre-school or crèche).

A new childminding training booklet for childminders is available to download: Childminders Training Pack (File size 724KB)

A new "Guide to Childcare training paths" publication is now available to download: Guide to Childcare training paths (File size 716KB)

Note to Parents on Voluntary Notified and HSE Notified Childminders

There are two types of childminders- those who are required to notify their service to HSE and those who can voluntarily notify their service to their local Childcare Committee. The main difference between the two depends on the number of children they mind.

The Childcare (Pre-school Services) Regulations 2006 state the following:

HSE Notified Childminders

• A childminder is defined as a person who single-handedly minds pre-school children in the childminders home for more than 2 hours per day
• A childminder minding 4 or more pre-school children is required to notify the HSE and will be subject to annual inspection from the Pre-school Services Officer
• A childminder should look after no more than 5 pre-school children
• No more than 2 children should be under 15 months. Exceptions can be made for multiple births or siblings.

Voluntary Notified Childminders

• Childminders who are not required to notify HSE, those minding 3 children or less are encouraged to voluntary notify their service to their local Childcare Committee. By doing so these childminders undertake to follow the National Guidelines for Childminders. Both childminders and parents can contact the Childminder Advisory Officer for a copy of the guidelines.
• Both HSE notified and Voluntary notified childminders can avail of training, networking, information, support and funding provided through the National Childminding Initiative.

Supports provided by the Childminding Advisory Officer to Meath Childminders

Information: The Starter Pack for childminders and potential childminders includes information on the National Guidelines for Childminders, the National Childcare Strategy, Best practice guidelines for childminders. This pack is available on request.

Training: MCCC provides a variety of training courses for Childminders and those thinking of Childminding. These include the Quality Awareness Programme, First Aid and Children First training in Child Protection. FETAC level 5 childcare courses are available through Meath VEC. Other training such as Manual Handling and Business Training is arranged on demand.

Networking: Network events are held regularly which provide a great opportunity for Childminders to meet with other Childminders and exchange ideas and relate experiences. Network events are advertised to Voluntary Notified childminders through out texting service and are open to childminders and parents.

Home Visits: The Childminding Advisory Officer is available on request to visit the Childminder in their own home. The role of the childminding advisory officer is to support the childminder with issues and concerns they may have, relating to the delivery of their service and best practice.

Voluntary Notification: Voluntary Notification allows childminders to voluntary notify their services with the CCC. In addition to support from Childminding Advisors, Voluntary Notification qualifies the Childminder to claim the Childminders' Tax Relief (�15,000 tax-free in 2007).

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