What is a childminder?

A childminder is a person caring for a small mixed age group of children in the childminders home, the child's home or a combination of both. The hours of childminding may vary from full-time, part-time or flexible hours.

A childminder provides a safe, quality, caring, stimulating environment for children of all ages.

Childminder Qualities:

• Have a genuine love of children and be dedicated to your job
• Have a good caring relationship with children
• Be able to listen
• Be Sympathetic
• Be understanding
• Be kind

Skills of the childminder:

1. Take a professional approach to childminding

• Contact the MCCC Childminding Advisory Officer and voluntary notify your service
• Notify the HSE if you are caring for four or more pre-school children
• Have suitable insurance cover
• Undertake childcare training where possible
• Keep-up to-date with childminding regulations and best practice

2. Promote children's learning and development

• Build learning into everyday activities
• Provide play activities and learning experiences suitable for each child's age and stage of development
• Support and care for the emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs of the children

3. Work closely with parents

• Know that parents are the n=most important people in the child's life
• Keep parents informed about their child's progress
• Show respect for each family's beliefs, traditions and wishes for the care of their children

4. Safety of children

• Children are under the supervision of the childminder at all times
• Pay careful attention to safety and hygiene
• Ensure a smoke free environment while childminding
• Be conscious of fire safety
• Child proof locks should be fitted and used
• Be aware of signs and symptoms of child abuse and contact a social worker or other health professional in your local HSE for advice if a suspicion arises.
• Ensure you comply fully with all car and car safety seat regulations
• Never leave a child unattended in a car
• Have care insurance for the children in your care

5. Nutritional Needs:

• Provide children with a healthy, balanced diet
• Always discuss dietary needs with parents
• Have a good knowledge of food hygiene, storage of food, preparation/ handling of food and cooking of food

6. Seek Support

• Contact the Meath County Childcare Committee, Childminding Advisory Officer who can arrange to send you out information or visit you in your home to discuss your childminding service.