A Childminding Initiative has been rolled out over the last number of years aimed at supporting Chilminders providing a service or those thinking of becoming Childminders. The Initiative is delivered in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, who also support Childminders with advisory visits.

Broadly speaking there are three main areas of work.:

• Training
• Networking
• Information

Download our guide to choosing a childminder

We would advise anyone thinking of becoming a childminder or operating as a childminder to read the national guidelines for childminders.

LCCC hold a number of events and activities for Childminder’s in County Laois throughout the year. We hold a number of coffee mornings, which enable Childminders to meet together in an informal setting to discuss issues pertaining to Childminding. LCCC also host events to celebrate National Childminding Week in March/April each year. The date has yet to be set for this year’s celebrations, but information will be published on our website as soon as it becomes available.

LCCC will also be hosting our annual Childminding event in July/August this year. The event is an activity packed day with previous events including a Teddy Bears Picnic, Arts and Crafts and story-telling. If you have any suggestions for this year’s events let us know.

The Childminder Advisory Officer

Fiona McHugh is the Childminder Advisory Officer for County Laois and is based in Pre School Services Office, Tullamore. Her role is to provide support, advice, and information to childminders and potential childminders and offer one to one support through advisory visits to the childminder’s home. She will assist childminders to link in with Laois County Childcare Committee events, where they can avail of information, networking and training events.

E-mail: fiona.mchugh2@hse.ie
Office Tel: (057) 937 0630

Childminder Development Grant

Please be advised that the Childminders Development Grant is no longer available.