Download Parent and Toddler Information Pack
Parent and Toddler groups are a great place for parents (both mothers & fathers) but also grandparents, guardians, childminders and carers to get together and provide a fun filled environment in which their children, usually under 5, can play. A small charge usually arises for participants, which helps pay for the toys, insurance, craft activities and refreshments. You can attend a Parent & Toddler Group with a new born baby, a baby who has just learnt to sit, a toddler and a pre-schooler, or a combination of the above.
It provides children with a great starting point to get used to a populated setting which can make the transition to pre-school easier. Group activities also help children build their social skills as it gives them the opportunity to interact with other children. For parents these groups can be a great source of support. It provides an opportunity to meet with other parents in your locality and share experiences, tips and information.
Groups can organise speakers to address the parents on issues that interest them e.g. nutrition, child development, speech therapy and the value of play or arrange a meeting with the public health nurse etc.
To find a list of Parent and Toddler Groups in Laois please click on https://www.laoischildcare.ie/directory/ and pick Parent and Toddler from the drop down section at the top of the page
The 2026 Parent and Toddler Grant is now open – Parent and Toddler Funding 2026
This year the focus for the 2026 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups in providing assistance to young parents and children in establishing connections and to promote the inclusion of families from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures.
The Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2026, will have only two streams of funding:
- Funding of up to €800 will be available for new and existing Parent and Toddler groups that are part of a larger organisation and,
- Funding of up to €1,000 will be available for new and standalone Parent and Toddler groups that are not part of a larger organisation.
Conditions apply and the CCCs are available to discuss requirements with new and existing groups”.
Please see below Application form and Guidelines to download
