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Step 1
Look at your home environment and ask yourself the following questions;
Do I have adequate space in my home to provide opportunities for play, indoors and out, places for children to sleep, eat, change nappies, etc?
Are others in my family supportive of my plans and aware of the implications to everyone in the home, including noise, untidiness, wear and tear, a constant busy atmosphere, parents coming and going, etc?
Are others in my family prepared to share my time and their own family home with other children?
Will I have the time and energy at the end of a busy Childminding day to devote to my own family and our household needs as well as time to prepare for the next day?
Am I aware of the importance of finding time for myself, to provide balance in caring for minded children, my own family and myself to avoid stress, fatigue and burnout?
Often a person decides to set up a Childminding Service without realising the full impact on their home, their family and themselves. If, after considering the issues raised above, you still feel you are a suitable candidate to provide home based childcare you can act on step 2 or 3.
(Childminders Information Booklet 2008,5)
Step 2
Contact Cavan CCC support & development staff on 049 4365856 and they will discuss Childminding in more detail. They will send you the ‘Childminders Information booklet’ and the ‘National Guidelines for Childminders’. THey can also arrange a suitable time to visit you.
Step 3
At the advisory visit, we will discuss Childminding in the home and what supports and opportunities are available to you. We will go through the ‘Childminder Support pack’, which consists of many templates e.g. working agreement, accident forms, sample routines etc. and sample policies and procedures, insurance information, grant information etc. We will assist you in completing the ‘Self Evaluation form’ which is required to become Voluntary Notified.
Step 4
Once you have the ‘Self Evaluation form’ completed you then forward it and the other relevant documentation to Cavan CCC support & development staff.
Step 5
When all relevant documentation is in place, you will be sent a letter confirming you are Voluntary Notified and your ‘Self Evaluation form’ will be returned to you. Your details will be placed on the list that is available to parents (if you so wish).
Benefits to you as a Childminder
When you are voluntary notified to Cavan County Childcare Committee you can mind 3 or less children only
- Your details will be on the vacancy list for parents, (optional)
- You can avail of a €15,000 tax exemption and pay your PRSI of €253 per annum
- You can avail of a free accountant mentoring service for your first visit
- You can apply for the Childminding Development grant to the value of €1000
- You will receive our training calendar and booklet twice a year
- You will receive our newsletter three times a year
- You can be part of the Childminders Club, (network meetings), which meet 4 to 5 times a year to
- offer support, advice and a has a social aspect for all Childminders
- Alleviate the isolation often experienced by Childminders
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