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Registration

If you are an existing childminder or new childminder and wish to become a Tusla registered childminder you have to apply through Tusla Registration Office.

If you require assistance with this process please feel free to contact South Dublin County Childcare Committee on 01 457 0122. Find out more & start your application:
Tusla Registration Policy: New Applications

Childminder Development Grant

What is a Childminder Development Grant (CMDG)?

Annually the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) announces the availability of the Childminder Development Grant. The purpose of the Childminder Development Grant is to offer an incentive, in the form of a small capital grant, to Childminders to enhance and support their awareness of quality childcare.

The Childminder Development Grant is designed to assist Childminders, already providing a childminding service in their own homes, to enhance safety/quality in the service through the purchase of small capital items, equipment, toys or minor adaptation costs.  It may also give financial assistance to new or prospective Childminders with their initial set up costs.

All applicants must be committed to maintaining/improving the quality of their childminding service.

What funding is available under the Childminder Development Grant?

The maximum grant available to a Childminder, who fully meets the criteria of the scheme, is 90% of total receipted eligible childcare expenditure, subject to a maximum grant of €1,000.

The Childminder Development Grant is designed to assist Childminders, already providing a childminding service in their own homes, to enhance safety/quality in the service through the purchase of small capital items, equipment, toys or minor adaptation costs.  It may also give financial assistance to new or prospective Childminders with their initial set up costs.

All applicants must be committed to maintaining/improving the quality of their childminding service.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?

A Childminder who is:

  • Providing an existing childminding service carried out in the Childminder’s home OR
  • Proposing a new childminding service to be carried out in the Childminder’s home

A Childminder who provides/proposes to provide childminding services

(not including Childminders own children) for at least:

  • 3 children on a part time basis
  • OR
  • 1 child on a full-time basis and 1 child on a part time basis

Childminder who has:

  • Completed the prescribed Childminding Quality Awareness Programme (QAP) [Note: A Childminder may be exempt from attending the QAP if they have already completed an equivalent Childminding course or relevant quality related training. [This decision will be made at the discretion of the South Dublin CCC.

Must provide evidence of appropriate insurance (must show valid insurance period)

Must provide evidence of Tusla Children First E-Learning programme

Required to operate as a Childminder for a minimum of two years following receipt of the grant.

What conditions are associated with the CMDG funding?

  1. For the purpose of the CMDG, a successful applicant may be approved 1 grant only, subject to the maximum eligible expenditure referred to above.
  2. Childminders may re-apply after 2 years, or after a shorter period if their first childminding development grant was for less than the maximum amount (this will be confirmed in the ‘Childcare Committee Confirmation of Childminder Details’ section of the application form).
  3. The application form for CMDG is only available through South Dublin County Childcare Committee during a specific time-frame on a yearly basis.
  4. Where a Childminder is subject to the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and (Early Years Services) (Registrations of School Age) Regulations 2018 they must register their service with Tusla. (this will be confirmed in the ‘Childcare Committee Confirmation of Childminder Details’ section of the application form)
  5. On the part of the applicant Childminder, no purchases should be made until grant approval notification has been received.
  6. Only when approved the grant aid, the Childminder is required to submit itemised original receipts for eligible expenditure only for items that were approved in their application.
  7. The Childminder is required to submit a copy of their insurance policy (must show valid insurance period).
  8. The Childminder is required to submit a copy of their Tusla Children First E-Learning programme certificate.
  9. All grant approvals will be subject to a letter of agreement signed by the Childminder with Meath County Childcare Committee.
  10. If a successful applicant ceases to childmind within two years of receipt of grant aid, necessary steps may be taken to recoup the funding in accordance with the letter of agreement with the Childminder.

What can the grant be used for?

The grant can be used for the purchase of small capital items such as items to enhance safety/quality in the service; equipment; toys or minor adaptation costs to improve the quality of service provided. The following list (which is not exhaustive) gives examples of the different types of costs that are eligible and not eligible for the grant (please consult with your local Childcare Committee if you have queries in relation to eligibility).

Eligible Equipment
  • Safety items – fire blanket, fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, socket covers, cupboard locks, first aid kit, stair gate, fireguard, car seat etc.
  • Childcare equipment – changing table / mat, sterilizer, double/single buggy, high chair, cot, sturdy child sized table & chairs, booster seat, step up stools, potty, bedding, car seat, foot operated bin, storage etc.
  • Indoor/outdoor play equipment – swing, slide, climbing frame, sand box & water tray, ride on toys, building blocks, art & craft supplies, books, appropriate toys for various age groups, etc.
  • Minor adaptations – fencing, gates, painting, and flooring, developing a changing area / outdoor play space etc.
Applicants Must:

Ensure that all equipment purchased complies with The EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC to ensure that equipment meets safety requirements.

Ensure that, for minor adaption’s, that the person is a registered contractor.

What is not acceptable eligible equipment?

Trampolines, subscriptions, consumables, walkers, travel cot, electronic equipment including: games/consoles, IT equipment, batteries.

What is not acceptable eligible expenditure?

Delivery cost of items, second hand items, bags (packing at the shop), installation/worker labour costs, items that would be considered for home use rather than childcare use.

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