As part of the Quality Awareness Programme for Childminders, a capital grant scheme for childminders has been introduced by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010.

The Quality Awareness Programme for Childminders is administered by Local City and County Childcare Committees and participants in the QAP may apply for a Childminding Developement Grant.

Key Features of the grant:

• In addition to participating in the QAP operated by their local CCC it is a condition of the Childminding Development Grant that childminders who are subject to the Childcare (Preschool Services) Regulations 2006 have notified to the Health Service Executive about their service
• The grant will be paid against validated expenditure on equipment, toys or minor household adaptations, for varying amounts up to a maximum of €1000
• The grant may not exceed 90% of expenditure incurred i.e. to obtain the maximum grant of €1000, receipts showing expenditure of €1,111 will be required.
• To avail of the maximum grant a childminder must give a commitment to operate as a childminder for not less than 2 years.
• Where a childminder previously received a Development Grant under the EOCP Scheme during 2004-2007, this will not affect his or her ability to apply under the current NCIP scheme.
• Childminders may re-apply under the NCIP Scheme after 2 years or after a shorter period if their first NCIP grant was for less than the maximum amount

Further Information

For further information on the Childminders Development Grant contact Helena on 056-7752865 Ext 3