Supporting Transitions in Early Years

Supporting Transitions in Early Years               …

Tiny Tots Paradise Ltd. are Recruiting!

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and vibrant Early…

Greenacres Childcare are Recruiting!

Green Acres Childcare are Recruiting

Smarties Montessori – Now Hiring for September 2025

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated staff members to…

Muckalee Childcare are recruiting for Various Roles!

Muckalee Childcare are recruiting

Little Steps Country Creche are recruiting!

Little Steps Country Creche are recruiting

Oasis Childcare Centre – Freshford are recruiting!

🌿 Join Our Team at Oasis Childcare Centre – Freshford, Co.…

April Early Years Sectoral e-Bulletin

Dear Provider, Welcome to this month's edition of the…

Danesfort Childcare are recruiting!

The Board of Directors would like to invite applications for the position of Assistant Creche Manager, from interested, qualified applicants.

Ballyhall Steiner Community Kindergarten is recruiting!

Ballyhall Steiner Community Kindergarten is seeking to recruit a part time educator to join our established team.

Little Shamrocks are recruiting!

Little Shamrocks are looking to recruit a qualified and experienced…

Encouraging the ‘Voice of the Child’ in Early Learning & School Age Childcare

The ‘voice of the child’ as a concept is one we often hear…

Lilliput Montessori are recruiting!

Lilliput Montessori are looking for an enthusiastic staff member…

Thomastown Creche and Montessori are recruiting!

Thomastown Creche and Montessori are recruiting for the following…

Urlingford Community Childcare are recruiting!

Urlingford Community Childcare are recruiting an Early Childhood…

Square One Childcare are recruiting!

Square One Childcare is recruiting!   Square One Childcare…

Updated Aistear

Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework for babies,…

Minister Foley launches the 2025 Parent and Toddler Group Grant

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley,…

Early Years Sectoral eBulletin February 2025

The eBulletin includes updates from the Department of Children,…

Minister Foley launches the Childminding Development Grants for 2025

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality…

Storm Éowyn Weather Warning Update

Dear Provider, Following yesterday’s communication on Storm…

Minister Roderic O’Gorman publishes the 2024 edition of the State of the Nation’s Children report

Minister Roderic O’Gorman publishes the 2024 edition of the State of the Nation’s Children report

Publication : Setting up a Childcare Service

Below are the steps and details of relevant agencies that will assist you in making informed decisions when setting up an Early Learning and Care (ELC) / School Age Childcare (SAC) service

Garda Vetting for the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Aged Childcare (SAC) sector

Garda Vetting in for the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Aged Childcare (SAC) sector

Press release : Updated curriculum for babies, toddlers and young children published

Aistear, the Irish word for journey, was Ireland's first curriculum framework for early childhood education when it was introduced in 2009. This is the first update since then and it will come into effect in September next year.

Press release : Publication of a Toolkit for including children from birth to 5 years in participation in decision-making

The toolkit has been published by Hub na nÓg, the national centre of excellence and coordination in children and young people’s participation in decision making, which is an initiative of the Department of Children Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman TD has today announced the launch of the €25m Building Blocks Extension Grant scheme for early learning and childcare providers.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman TD has today announced the launch of the €25m Building Blocks Extension Grant

Government’s free pre-school programme ECCE reaches the one million milestone as results of independent review is published

Government’s free pre-school programme ECCE reaches the one million milestone as results of independent review is published

Minister O’Gorman publishes Introductory Guidelines to Support the Meaningful Inclusion of Autistic Children in Early Learning and Care, School-Age Childcare and Childminding Settings

Minister O’Gorman publishes Guidelines Supporting Inclusion for Autistic Children

Minister O’Gorman welcomes strong commitment from early learning and childcare services to Core Funding for third year running

Minister O’Gorman welcomes strong commitment from early learning and childcare services to Core Funding for third year running

Minister O’Gorman Launches Research Reviewing the Provision of Home Visiting Services for Families with Babies and Young Children

Minister O’Gorman Launches Research Reviewing the Provision

Minister O’Gorman welcomes record €837m investment from Budget 2025

Minister O’Gorman welcomes record €837m investment from Budget 2025

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has today launched the 2024/25 Parent Peer Support Fund

2024/25 Parent Peer Support Fund now open for applications

35,000 children experiencing disadvantage to benefit from funding boost for early learning and childcare settings

35,000 children experiencing disadvantage to benefit from funding boost for early learning and childcare settings

Learner Fund Graduate Bursary 2024 of €1,000 is now open for graduates who completed an NFQ Level 7/8/9 2015-2024.

Learner Fund Graduate Bursary 2024 of €1,000 is now open

Minister O’Gorman publishes new regulations for childminding, paving way for childminders to come into National Childcare Scheme

Minister O’Gorman publishes new regulations for childminding,

Number of Early Learning & Care service openings at five year high, closures at lowest level for five years – new data confirms

Number of Early Learning & Care service openings at five year high

Thousands of families to benefit from substantial reductions in early learning and childcare costs from 2 September

Thousands of families to benefit from substantial reductions in early learning and childcare costs from 2 September

Minister publishes 2023 progress report for First 5, the whole of government strategy for babies, children and their families

Press release Minister publishes 2023 progress report…

Minister O’Gorman announces €25m in capital funding to deliver thousands of additional early learning and childcare places

Press release Minister O’Gorman announces €25m in…

Ministers O’Gorman and Humphreys launch the My Little Library Book Bag 2024

Ministers O’Gorman and Humphreys launch the My Little Library…

Minister announces details of additional funding to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can access early learning

Minister announces details of additional funding to ensure children…

Government approves publication of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024

Government approves publication of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024

Ireland’s first European Child Guarantee interim report published

Ireland’s first European Child Guarantee interim report published

Minister O’Gorman launches public consultation on Irish language provision in early learning and care and school-age childcare

Minister O’Gorman launches public consultation on Irish language provision in early learning and care and school-age childcare

New pay agreement to provide pay increases for the early learning and childcare workforce – Ministers Higgins and O’Gorman

New pay agreement to provide pay increases for the early learning and childcare workforce – Ministers Higgins and O’Gorman

Equal Start for children experiencing disadvantage

Press release Equal Start for children experiencing…

Ministers Foley and Minister O’Gorman launch ‘Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024 – 2033’

Press release Ministers Foley and Minister O’Gorman…

Minister O’Gorman launches the Childminding Development Grants for 2024

The Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes.

Barnardos Child Links: Issue 1 2024: Childminding

Click on the image above to read Issue 1: Childminding

Minister O’Gorman launches call for proposals from early learning and childcare support organisations for 2025 funding programme

Press release Minister O'Gorman launches call for proposals…

Nearly 4,000 children in County Kilkenny receive childcare subsidies under NCS

PRESS RELEASE Nearly 4,000 children in County Kilkenny receive…

ECCE: Frequently Asked Questions for Parents/Guardians

The DCEDIY have issued Frequently Asked Questions for Parents/Guardians…

Parent Information; Importance of MMR Vaccine & Being Measles Aware

The HSE has issued information on the importance of the MMR Vaccine…

Publication of Regulatory Notice on the Use of Water Beads in Early Years Services

Tusla have published a regulatory notice which sets out requirements…

Early Years Sectoral e-Bulletin – February 2024

February's Early Years e-bulletin.   Read here in…

First 5 Little Library e-Bulletin

First 5 Little Library at your local library. Click HERE to…

New report shows positive impact of Early Years Access and Inclusion Model

AIM is a multi-agency initiative led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) that offers a suite of supports – both universal and targeted - to ensure children with a disability can access and meaningfully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme in mainstream settings.

December 2023 Early Years sectoral e-Bulletin

Dear Provider, Welcome to the December edition of the Early…

New Early Learning and Childcare Data website launched by Minister O’Gorman

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability,…

Minister O’Gorman welcomes substantial investment under Budget 2024

- Minister O’Gorman today unveiled an investment package worth…

Free bedtime story books for all children, 4 years of age and under

Roderic O’ Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality,…

TUSLA Short guide for parents newly arrived in Ireland

Tusla have published a guide for parents who have recently arrived…

151 childcare services awarded grants under Building Blocks Improvement Scheme for “greener, warmer” childcare services

- 151 services awarded green energy and retrofit upgrade…

90% increase in number of children benefitting from National Childcare Scheme

Unprecedented demand for the National Childcare Scheme in…

Learner Fund Graduate and Childminder Bursary 2023

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Guidance for the Early Learning and Care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months

We are pleased to advise that we have published a new guidance…

Minister O’Gorman invites applications under the What Works Building Evidence Fund 2023

-Grants of up to €50,000 will be made available to community…

Minister O’Gorman publishes detailed progress reports for First 5, the wholeof-Government strategy for babies, young children and their families

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Ministers O’Gorman and Humphreys announce details of My Little Library 2023

Roderic O’ Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability,…

Minister O’Gorman Launches the 2023 Childminding Development Grant

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Minister O’Gorman launches the What Works Ireland Evidence Hub

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Minister O’Gorman allocates an additional €700,000 in Dormant Accounts Funding for counselling, psychotherapy and therapeutic services for children

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Minister O’Gorman launches the Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services

Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability,…

Landmark review of the Child Care Act 1991 receives approval to be drafted

The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2023 provides for the review…

Minister O’Gorman announces €9 million in capital funding for “greener, warmer” early learning and childcare services

-Green energy and retrofit upgrade grants of €35,000 to €75,000…

Minister O’Gorman launches Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2023

Minister O’Gorman launches Parent and Toddler Group…

Government approves proposals to strengthen enforcement powers of the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate and pave the way to regulate childminders

Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability,…

Minister O’Gorman announces Ireland’s participation in international survey of the early learning and care workforce, in partnership with the Central Statistics Office

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and…

Record numbers of families now benefitting from subsidised early learning and childcare

Over 105,000 children now benefitting from supports under the…

Minister O’Gorman announces new scheme to pilot the provision of hot meals to children in early learning and childcare settings

Minister O’Gorman announces new scheme to pilot the provision…

Supports Available to Early Learning and Childcare services

Supports available to early learning and childcare services 28/10/22 Minister…

Budget 2023 overview and further information for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) providers and parents

The Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Early Years Recognised Qualifications

This DCEDIY approved list contains all qualifications…

Building Blocks – Improvement Grant

The Department of Children, Equality, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY)…

Minister O’Gorman secures €1bn investment in early learning and childcare

Minister O’Gorman secures €1bn investment in early learning…

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) Research on the childcare needs of parents who work atypical hours or live in rural communities

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and…

Minister O’Gorman launches ‘Together for Better’ new funding model for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare as Core Funding contracts begin for 4,000 services

Minister O’Gorman launches ‘Together for Better’ new funding…

’Historic’ new pay agreement to provide pay increases and wage structure for early learning and childcare workers – Ministers English & O’Gorman

’Historic’ new pay agreement to provide pay increases and…

Minister O’Gorman encourages families to access the National Childcare Scheme as survey shows more than half are unaware of State supports

Minister O’Gorman encourages families to access the National…

Minister O’Gorman welcomes first ‘Partner Services’ as record number of early learning and childcare services signal intention to expand

Minister O’Gorman welcomes first ‘Partner Services’ as record…

Learner Fund Bursary – 2022

Learner Fund Graduate Bursary – 2022 The Department of Children,…

Minister O’Gorman awards contract for independent review of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Minister O’Gorman Launches the Annual Early Years Sector Profile Report 2020/2021

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability,…

Childminder Event

  Kilkenny CCC will host a free Regional Childminding…

Annual Early Years Sector Profile

The Annual Early Years Sector Profile is due for submission on…

Kilkenny Presbyterian Church Parent & Toddler Group

The Kilkenny Presbyterian Church Parent & Toddler Group will…

Childminder Little Library Initiative.

Calling All Childminders in Kilkenny In conjunction with the National…

A Parents Guide to Childcare in Ireland.

This useful guide explains Childcare in Ireland for parents,…

Minister for Children announces free books for all children starting school in September

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Online Childminder Event April 5th 2022

Building connections between the child and the childminder Starting…

Ireland’s response to the situation in Ukraine

The European Union (EU) has put in place a Temporary…

Covid- Out of Hours Helpline – St. Patrick’s Day weekend hours of operation

The Covid-19 Out of Hours Helpline will be in open on Thursday,…

The Economic Rationale for Government Investment in Early Learning and Care: a High-Level Overview

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability,…

Choosing a Childminder A Guide for Parents & Guardians

Choosing a Childminders - Final Version  

State of the Nation’s Children

The State of the Nation’s Children (SONC) report…

Minister O’Gorman issues statement to Early Learning and Childcare Providers on Removal of Public Health Restrictions

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability,…

“Seeing Voices – Voice of the Child” Report 2021

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and…

Christmas Closing Times 2021

Happy Christmas from the Board and team of Kilkenny County Childcare…

DCEDIY Covid-19 Digital Resource Pack

Recognising the importance of continuing to keep early…

Grant Programme for Improved Ventilation 2021

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration…

Childminding

Are you a childminder or thinking of becoming a childminder in…

Partnership for Public Good

Minister Roderic O’Gorman has today (07 December) announced…

‘Strengthening Early Childhood Education and Care in Ireland’

Minister O'Gorman welcomes the launch of  the publication by…

Oral Words Language Library

Kilkenny County Council Library Service are delighted their Oral…

First 5 Little Library

The second stage of the Little Library initiative was launched…

The Childminding Difference Webinar

The Childminding Difference Webinar Prof. Nóirín Hayes,…

Learner Fund Bursary – 2021

Learner Fund Graduate Bursary – 2021 The Department of Children,…

Minister O’Gorman announces €250,000 for Parent & Toddler Group Grants

Minister O’Gorman announces €250,000 for Parent…

Childminding Development Grant 2021

Kilkenny County Childcare Committee are delighted to announce…

Minister O’Gorman publishes the Annual Early Years Sector Profile Report 2019/2020

Minister O’Gorman publishes the Annual Early Years…

Minister O’Gorman marks Global Day of Parents with the launch of a new parenting e-learning course and a range of reports on parenting in Ireland

Minister O’Gorman marks Global Day of Parents with…

Minister O’Gorman and Minister Foley announce information and resources for children preparing for pre-school and junior infants

Minister O’Gorman and Minister Foley announce information…

Ministers O’Gorman and Humphreys launch ‘Little Library’ initiative to encourage a love of reading among young children

Ministers O’Gorman and Humphreys launch ‘Little…

Minister O’Gorman launches National Action Plan for Childminding (2021 – 2028)

Minister O’Gorman launches National Action Plan for…

Minister O’Gorman recommends establishment of Joint Labour Committee for the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) sector

Minister O’Gorman recommends establishment of Joint…

Minister O’Gorman announces gradual lifting of restrictions on delivery of early learning and childcare services from 08 March

Minister O’Gorman announces gradual lifting of restrictions…

Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Capital Programme 2021

Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Capital Programme…

Minister announces new funding arrangements to support delivery of early learning and childcare during extended Level 5 restrictions

Minister announces new funding arrangements to support…

Resumption of the pre-school programme postponed and childcare services to remain open for the children of essential workers and vulnerable children only, until 1 February

Resumption of the pre-school programme postponed and…

Minister O’Gorman announces €121 million budget package

Minister O’Gorman announces €121 million budget…

Minister O’Gorman launches National Quality Guidelines for School-Age Childcare Services

Minister O’Gorman launches National Quality Guidelines…

The future of the workforce and the future of funding within the early learning and care and school-age childcare sector

You are invited to participate in an information webinar on two…

Learner Fund Bursary – 2020

Learner Fund Graduate Bursary – 2020 The Department of Children…

Minister O’Gorman launches programme of consultation on a Workforce Development Plan and a new Funding Model for early learning and care and school-age childcare

Minister O’Gorman launches programme of consultation…

Minister O’Gorman and Minister Feighan announce a joint initiative supporting parents and children learning about healthy lunch boxes

Minister O’Gorman and Minister Feighan announce a…

Minister O’Gorman meets with Early Years sector representatives

Minister O’Gorman meets with Early Years sector representatives From Department…

Minister O’Gorman announces the publication of a ‘Focused Policy Assessment’ of the ECCE Higher Capitation Payment

Minister O’Gorman announces the publication of a…

Childminding Development Grant 2020

Kilkenny County Childcare Committee are delighted to announce…

Minister O’Gorman announces National Play Day 2020 will take place this Saturday 4 July

Minister O’Gorman announces National Play Day 2020…

Childminding Re-Opening Grant

Childminding Re-Opening Grant Childminders have been advised…

New Application for AIM 2020/21

Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) The Access and Inclusion…

FAR Reimbursement Extension

We have received the following update from Tusla regarding FAR…

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Updates

  COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Updates     The…

Minister Katherine Zappone announces measures to support Childcare Providers and Parents during Covid-19 closures

Minister Katherine Zappone announces measures to support…

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Information for childcare providers

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Information for childcare providers Published:…

Minister Zappone launches consultation to start national conversation on Early Learning and Care and School-age Childcare

Minister Zappone launches consultation to start national…

Kilkenny CCC First 5 Consultation

Kilkenny Childcare Committee invites you to a meeting with…

Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Capital 2020 Grant Announcement

Pobal are pleased to announce the opening date for applications…

Childminders Network Meeting

Are you a Childminder in County Kilkenny? Would you like to…

Applications now open for ReCreate DCYA Bursaries

Applications now open for ReCreate DCYA Bursaries ReCreate bursaries…

Diploma in Management Effectiveness and Practice Level 7

Diploma in Management Effectiveness and Practice Level 7   Course…

Statement on the deregistration of two childcare providers (Oblate Fathers Community Crèche and Home from Home)

Statement on the deregistration of two childcare providers…

Communications in the Childcare Sector

Communications in the Childcare Sector Published: 14 January…

Minister Zappone welcomes response to the National Childcare Scheme

Minister Zappone welcomes response to the National Childcare…

Minister Zappone secures €8.1 million for childcare capital grants across 2020

Minister Zappone secures €8.1 million for childcare capital…

Minister Zappone Announces Additional Support Payment for Childcare Providers

Minister Zappone Announces Additional Support Payment for…

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone T.D. Launches Annual Early Years Sector Profile Report 2018 /2019

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine…

Taoiseach and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone TD host event marking launch of National Childcare Scheme

Taoiseach and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine…

Minister Zappone welcomes international recognition for AIM programme

Minister Zappone welcomes international recognition…

Minister Zappone addresses Funding Model Expert Group at Inaugural Meeting

Minister Zappone addresses Funding Model Expert Group at…

Minister Zappone launches Open Policy Debate on Draft Childminding Action Plan

Minister Zappone launches Open Policy Debate on Draft Childminding…

Minister Zappone announces a €94 million budget package

Minister Zappone announces a €94 million budget…

Minister Zappone publishes new data on the cost of early learning and care and school-age childcare to families

Minister Zappone publishes new data on the cost of early…

Minister Zappone launches communications campaign on the National Childcare Scheme

Minister Zappone launches communications campaign on the National…

Parents Notice – School Age Childcare

Parents Notice – School Age Childcare Childcare services…

Minister Zappone announces Expert Group to develop a new Funding Model for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare

Minister Zappone announces Expert Group to develop a new Funding…

Minister Zappone launches Draft Childminding Action Plan

Minister Zappone launches Draft Childminding Action Plan 29th…

Learner Fund Bursary Autumn 2019

The Department of Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA) will re-open…

Minister Zappone will strengthen child protection and quality requirements for early years services, Additional regulations to increase Tusla’s enforcement powers

30th July 2019 The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs,…

National Childcare Scheme Phase 2 Training Sessions

The National Childcare Scheme ‘Phase 2 Training Sessions: Using…

Minister Zappone response to RTÉ investigation into crèche failings

25 July 2019 Speaking in the wake of yesterday evening’s…

National Childcare Scheme Newsletter July 2019

Have you seen the new newsletter for the National Childcare Scheme?…