Applications are now open for the Childminding Development Grant 2025.
What is a Childminder Development Capital Grant (CMDG)?
The CMDG is a small capital grant designed to assist existing and potential childminders to enhance safety and quality in their childminding service. This includes eligible items required to meet regulations or that may have arisen during a pre-registration assessment.
What funding is available under the CMDG?
A grant of up to €1,000 is available to childminders. Childminders can apply for the full Childminding Development Grant amount every year, but only certain items may be purchased on an annual basis. (See eligible expenditure below and FAQ document). If the CMDG national budget is oversubscribed, an applicant may receive a lesser amount than applied for. Successful applicants are paid 75% of the grant in advance, and up to the remaining 25% is paid in arrears. Following the submission and approval of the CMDG Expenditure Report and receipts for up to the full amount granted, South Dublin CCC will inform the successful childminder as to the balance up to 25% that will be paid. (See FAQs for further details).
What can the CMDG be used for?
The CMDG can be used to purchase items that enhance safety and quality in the childminding service. The 2025 CMDG also includes provision for purchase of certain IT equipment, subject to conditions. The Guidelines lists examples of the different types of costs that are eligible and ineligible for the grant. If you are unsure of eligible spend, contact South Dublin County Childcare Committee for support by emailing info@southdublinchildcare.ie
Making today’s announcement, Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of the 2025 Childminding Development Grant as one of the first actions in my term of office as Minister.
“Childminders play an essential part in the provision of childcare in all parts of the country, and I am fully committed to recognising and supporting their important role, and to following through on the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028.
“I encourage childminders in South Dublin County to avail of this funding opportunity, whether they are already registered or would like support in advance of registration over the next couple of years.
“The Childminding Development Grant provides funding for quality and safety equipment and can also be used to contribute to IT equipment.”
The total budget of €500,000 reflects the high demand for the grant in previous years. It also reflects the Government’s commitment to support childminders to prepare for registration with Tusla. In line with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, regulations written specifically for childminders came into effect for the first time in September 2024, making it possible for all childminders to register with Tusla and take part in the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).
Those childminders who were previously exempt from regulation have a three-year transition period until 2027 during which they are now able to register with Tusla but are not yet required to do so.
For further information about the Childminding Development Grant or the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, visit www.gov.ie/childminding or contact your local City or County Childcare Committee.
You can download the CMDG Guidelines (includes the Application Form), FAQ’s for 2025 and Application Form in the links below:
Closing Date for Applications is 5pm Friday, 4th April 2025.
Fidelma Martin from the South Dublin County Childcare Committee, said:
“The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s Childminding Development Grant has been a huge benefit to many childminders in South Dublin County.
“Any childminder with any questions about applying for the grant is welcome to contact us on 01 457 0122 or by emailing info@southdublinchildcare.ie
The forms are also available in the Irish language on request.
You can read the Full Press Release from Norma Foley here
If you are a childminder or are interested in becoming a childminder, South Dublin County Childcare Committee provides a number of supports such as network and training events, setting up your service, policies and procedures as well as funding opportunities and ongoing support.
See new Regulations and Explanatory Guidance below:
Under the New Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024 all Childminders must register with Tusla. You can download the regulations in the link below.
To register with Tusla you must have the following documents:
The Childminding pre-registration training is a mandatory course for anyone who intends to register with Tusla for a childminding service.
To take this training course you must be:
If you are unsure as to whether or not you are eligible to register with Tusla, contact your local Childminding Development Officer for information and support.
The aim of the training programme is to help you:
To register your interest in attending a Pre-Registration course, please complete the expression of interest form and click submit at the end.
For further information on anything childminding related please contact our Childminding Development Officer: Helen Sutherland on 086 103 8611
Currently, there are two main financial supports for childminders:
To qualify for this Tax Relief, you must:
To claim the relief, include your childminding income in your tax return (Form 11, section G). You must claim the relief on or before your tax return due date of 31 October annually.
For the latest complete information, please refer to Childcare Services Relief.
The Childminding Development Grant for 2024 is now closed for applications. We will be advertising the Childminding Development Grant for 2025 as soon as it becomes available.
South Dublin County Childcare Committee © 2021
