Minister O’Gorman launches the Childminding Development Grants for 2024
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has announced the opening of the 2024 Childminding Development Grant.
The Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes.
To read the full press release please go the following link CMDG Press Release
Childminding Development Grant 2024
The Childminders 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. The 2024 application process opened on the 16th of May 2024 and will close on the 7th June 2024; to receive an application form. please email sligochildcare@gmail.com
Or download the application form and supporting documents below
What funding is available under the Childminders Development Grant?
A grant of up to €1,000 is available to an eligible childminder. All childminders can apply for the full Childminding Development Grant every year. However, if the CMDG national budget is oversubscribed, an applicant may receive a lesser amount than applied for (see section on Oversubscription Procedure). Successful applicants are paid 75% of the grant in advance. Following submission and approval of the CMDG Expenditure Report and receipts for the full amount granted, the remaining 25% is paid to the childminder.
Who is eligible to apply for funding?
All existing or potential childminders. 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.
What is not acceptable expenditure?
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Ineligible expenditure (This is not an exhaustive list) |
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· Minor adaptations or capital works such as outdoor surfacing, outdoor fencing, minor works to the house or outdoor area, painting, decorating, flooring etc. · Trampolines; Bouncy Castles; Swimming Pool · Subscriptions; memberships and registrations · Baby walkers · Travel cots and/or travel cot mattress · Games consoles · Second hand items · Any items that would be considered for home use only and not childminding use e.g. IT equipment; T.V etc. · Insurance and/or other business expenses · Training and Continuous Professional Development Courses · Any item that costs more than the total grant awarded i.e., part-payment for an item.
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What can the grant be used for?
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Eligible Expenditure (This is not an exhaustive list) |
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Outdoor Play Equipment: Sand box; water tray; swing sets, climbing frames, slides, outdoor play equipment, etc.
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Toys & Books: Developmentally and culturally appropriate toys and books e.g., ride on toys; building blocks; books; dress-up; teddys/dolls/figurines; music; imaginative play items; jigsaws, board games; arts & crafts materials and supplies, etc.
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Childcare & Safety Equipment: Pram; buggy; car seat; cot; high chair; child size table & chairs; stairgate; fire blanket; fire extinguisher; smoke alarm; socket covers; cupboard locks; first aid kit; blind cord safety clips, etc.
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Supporting Inclusion: Sensory toys & equipment e.g., black out tent; theraputty; chewlery; weighted blanket; trikes & ride on toys; fidget toys; move and sit cushions, sensory garden, etc.
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STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Mathematics): Science : Light box, microscope, télescope, etc. Technology: Coding Kits; robot kit; robotic arms; snap electric circuits; cameras; hydraulics, etc. Engineering: Toolbox; stem construction kit; Lego; Lego technic; magnets, etc. Arts: Music & Literature; musical instruments; easels; painting tools and accessories; playdough & accessories; arts and crafts supplies; speakers; lights, etc. Mathematics: Magnet tiles; IQ puzzle games; mathematic games; rubik’s cubes/tower; measuring equipment, etc.
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If I previously received a CMDG can I apply for one now?
You can apply for it even if you received
the grant in 2023.
Where do I get more information?
For further information on Childminding Development Grant please contact Sligo County Childcare Committee on 07191-48860 or email suzanne@sligochildcare.ie