Childminders Development Grants (CMDG)
Childminders Development Grants (CMDG), NCIP 2006 – 2010
The Childminders Development Grant under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 – 2010 contains a number of significant improvements, including a major increase in the maximum grant from €630 to €1,000 for childminders.
This grant is also available to childminders who have already been granted funding under the EOCP scheme. They are eligible to re-apply under the NCIP scheme after 2 years or a shorter period, if their first application is for less than the maximum amount. This will ensure that quality improvements emanating from the scheme will be on-going.
The maximum grant amount is €1,000 and can be claimed against validated expenditure on equipment, toys or minor household adaptations. The maximum grant can be obtained where an applicant will continue to operate as a childminder for not less than 2 years and is reduces on a pro-rata basis in the case of a shorter-term commitment.
As before, the grant will be paid against 90% of expenditure e.g. qualifying expenditure of €1,111 will result in a grant of €1,000.
The scheme is open to all Childminders, or potential Childminders who meet the criteria set out. We strongly encourage all childminders to take advantage of this opportunity.
Downloads
CMDG Information Leaflet (PDF – 156KB)
CMDG Application Form (Ms Word – 1.1MB)
CMDG Criteria
Childminder Development Grant; who is eligible?
A Childminder who:
- (a) Is providing an existing childminding service carried out in the Childminder’s home or (b) is proposing a new childminding service to be carried out in theChildminder’s home
- (a) provides/proposes to provide a childminding service for at least 3 children on a part time basis or (b) provides/proposes to provide a childminding service for at least 1 child on a full time basis and 1 child on a part time basis (not including Childminders own children)
- (a) completed the prescribed Quality Awareness Programme (QAP) and/or (b) is willing to attend other relevant training as identified by the Donegal County Childcare Committee
- (a) notified to the North West HSE Preschool Services or (b) ‘voluntary notified’ to the Donegal County Childcare Committee or (c) prepare to work on the ‘voluntary notification’ with the assistance of the Childminder Advisory Worker
- Must provide evidence of appropriate insurance
- Required to operate as a Childminder for a minimum of two years following receipt of the grant.
If you meet the criteria outlined above you may be eligible to apply for a Childminder Development Grant. For more information or an application form please contact the Donegal County Childcare Committee on (074) 91 32416 or info@donegalchildcare.com
The application process is as follows:
- Childminder receives the application and reviews the criteria. If eligible, complete the application form and return to the DCCC office.
- Applications will be processes and forwarded to the Childminding Sub-Committee for appraisal.
- The applicant is notified of the decision of the committee in writing. If successful, the applicant then makes the purchases as set out in the application, returning the itemised original receipts for refund of up to 90% to a maximum of €1,000 to the DCCC office.
- When items are purchased, contact the Childminders’ Advisory Worker to arrange a visit to the Childminder’s home to verify purchases made
- The applicant is responsible for any spend over €1,111
- On completion of all the above, the applicant will receive the agreed grant by post.
Quality Awareness Programme (QAP)
The Quality Awareness Programme is an introductory or refresher course on what is involved in childminding. Participants will be encouraged to regard the course as a stepping-stone to other more comprehensive training programmes.
The main objectives of the Quality Awareness Programme is to:
- Provide participants with an awareness of the issues involved in the provision of a quality childminding service
- Enhance the knowledge, skills and professional status of childminders
- Develop the childminder’s confidence and motivation
- Encourage networking with childminders in their locality
- Assist Childminders to sign up to the National Guidelines for Childminders, Voluntary Notification System
Details of the Quality Awareness Programme will be held in the evenings or Saturdays depending on demand. Notification of this training will be sent to you by post in the coming months.
While participation on the Quality Awareness Programme is open to all Childminders, it is a requirement for applicants for Childminder Development Grant funding in most circumstances. For past recipients of the CMDGs, attendance at a refresher course of the QAP may be required. Completion of the Voluntary Notification process will be part of the QAP training. Training will be facilitated by the Donegal County Childcare Committee.
For more information about the Childminder’s Development Grant, the QAP or other relevant childcare training contact the DCCC office.
