Our site is packed with information so whether you're a parent, working with children, interested in a childcare career or just browsing, this is the place for you!
Offaly County Childcare Committee is located at St Joseph's Community Centre in Kilcormac, Co Offaly.
We have a facebook page. Visit us here
Please take a look and remember to give us a like!
Higher Capitation 2019/20 
Please be advised that all applications for Higher Capitation 2019/20 on the PIP Portal must be accompanied by a scanned copy of the relevant staff member’s qualification(s). This will require completing the second tickbox on the form.
Higher Capitation forms will be available for submission from 19/08/2018 with reviews commencing in early October.
AIM Level 1 – Inclusion Co-ordinator (LINC)
2019/2020 Increased ECCE Capitation
Application Process Open
The application process for the increased ECCE capitation, funded by DCYA, in recognition of the leadership and mentoring role that will be delivered by the Inclusion Co-ordinator, during the 2019/2020 pre-school year is now open.
To apply a service provider, must be or employ a graduate from the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) in Early Years Programme who has agreed to take on the role and responsibilities of an Inclusion Co-ordinator in their pre-school setting.
Applications must be made electronically via the Programmes Implementation Platform (PIP).
Existing Graduates
An ECCE provider, who is or employs an existing graduate can apply immediately.
New Graduates
An ECCE provider, who is or employs a new graduate i.e. graduating in October 2019 can apply when final exam results have been notified by Mary Immaculate College (expected late Sept)
Please note as per the recently published AIM Rules document from the 2019/2020 ECCE programme year, it is no longer be possible for Inclusion Coordinator additional capitation payments to be backdated to be beginning of the programme year if the application is submitted late in the programme year.
To support services to adjust to this rule change, for the 2019/2020 programme year, the additional capitation can be backdated to the beginning of the programme year provided that the application form reaches Pobal by 31st October 2019. This will also accommodate new LINC graduates whose graduation verification will only reach Pobal by late September.
If an Inclusion Coordinator is on extended leave i.e. maternity, sick leave at the beginning of a pre-school year, an application should only be submitted once the Inclusion Co-ordinator returns to the pre-school setting.
If you require any additional information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Minister Zappone publishes Guardian Ad Litem Bill 
Monday 12th August 2019
Guardians ad litem are appointed by judges in child care proceedings. Their role is to independently establish the wishes, feelings and interests of the child and present them to the court with recommendations.
Minister Zappone said: “I am pleased to announce the publication of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019 which provides for the establishment of a new national Guardian ad litem service within an Executive Office of my Department. The Bill provides for a presumption in favour of the appointment of a Guardian ad litem to all children and young people in child care cases. This will ensure that a child’s view is always effectively conveyed to the Court in child care court proceedings.
“This Bill is the culmination of the Government’s commitment to review existing Guardian ad litem provision. It significantly improves upon existing legislation in ensuring that the rights of all vulnerable children are upheld in child care proceedings. In parallel with progressing the necessary legislative reforms, I intend, with the assistance of relevant stakeholders, to consult with children and young people over the coming months on the type of Guardian ad litem service to be provided. This will inform procedural aspects of the new service.
“This Bill gives me the statutory basis to put in place a high quality, and sustainable Guardian ad litem national service within my Department and to ensure that all children in child care proceedings get the opportunity to have their voice heard and due consideration is given to their best interests.”
The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019:
Provides for a presumption in favour of a Guardian ad litem being appointed for all children in child care proceedings.
Requires the court, if it declines to appoint a Guardian ad litem, to state its reasons for not appointing a GAL and say how it intends to hear the views of the child.
Specifies the role and status of a Guardian ad litem and allows the Minister to make regulations on the qualifications and experience required to act as a Guardian ad litem.
Provides for a new national and transparent process for the appointment and assignment of GALs to child care cases.
Provision is also made for the mandatory appointment of a Guardian ad litem in all proceedings under Section 25 of the Mental Health Act 2001, which provides for the involuntary admission of a child who has a mental disorder to an approved centre.
The legislation provides the statutory basis for the establishment of a national Guardian ad litem service within an Executive Office within the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This will enable the Minister to put in place a nationally organised and managed service to enable and facilitate the child’s views to be heard in proceedings under the Child Care Act 1991 to ensure that a high quality and sustainable service is provided into the future.
Graduate Bursary
The Department of Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA) will re-opened the Learner Fund Bursary to Early Years practitioners who are new graduates of a recognised Early Childhood Education and Care degree programme.
The award must be a full, major award placed at level 7/8/9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and achieved in the academic years 2013 to 2019 inclusive.
Applications will open on 19th August and the deadline for submission of applications will be 27th September 2019. If you would like further information or an application form, please contact our office on 057 9135878 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Offaly County Childcare Committee support the development of quality, affordable, inclusive, accessible childcare and family friendly services for all children in every part of the county.
Offaly County Childcare Committee has been meeting since May 2001 and is made up of representatives from the statutory sector, social partners, community groups, voluntary groups, the Community and Voluntary Forum, National Voluntary Children's Organisations, providers of childcare, and parents - all of whom have a vested interest in childcare provision in the county.
