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!
Featured News
Inspection reports now being published on the Tusla website
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate has announced that they are now publishing inspection reports on the Tusla website, and they are no longer available on the Pobal website.
It is important to note that only Inspection reports arising from inspection under the Childcare Act (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, which commenced on 30th June 2016, will be published. In cases where a service has not yet had an inspection under the 2016 Regulations, then the next most recent report will be published.
The process of uploading the reports is ongoing and will be complete at the end of July 2018. At that point each registered service will have a published report..
Click https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/creche-inspection-reports/ to access the inspection reports.
Contract awarded to deliver IT system for the Affordable Childcare Scheme
Another major milestone achieved in the creation of a new scheme of entitlements for parents towards the cost of childcare
System reflects new frontier of innovative, joined-up and user-friendly public services
Monday 9th July, 2018
The Minister today (6th July 2018) awarded a contract for the development of the IT system to support the introduction of the Affordable Childcare Scheme. The contract has been awarded to Codec, an Irish company with global reach, which was successful following a rigorous public procurement process.
Awarding the contract, the Minister noted:
"Last Monday, President Michael D Higgins signed the Childcare Support Act 2018 into law, providing the legal basis for the new Affordable Childcare Scheme. Today the contract for the scheme's IT system will be signed. This is certainly a momentous seven days for childcare-bookended by major progress as we put both the legal platform and the IT platform in place for this new scheme. Block by block we are building a solid foundation for a scheme which will help to transform our childcare system from one of the most expensive in the world to one of the best, and which should help generations of families to come.
I know the burden that childcare costs can be for families. Access to quality, affordable childcare can transform the situation of many families and that is why I am unwavering in my commitment to increasing investment in childcare."
Once launched, the Affordable Childcare Scheme will provide financial support to help reduce the cost of childcare for parents. Through this financial support, the scheme aims to improve access; assist families to return to work and training; reduce child poverty; and improve outcomes for children.
The IT system is a central element of the new Affordable Childcare Scheme as it will allow people to apply online for a childcare subsidy and, in the vast majority of cases, be automatically assessed and approved in a timely, user-friendly way, without any need to collect, collate and submit documentary evidence. As such, it is intended to support busy parents to access the support they need in the easiest possible way.
The system will be developed by Codec, working in close collaboration with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Pobal, who will act as the scheme administrator.
Childcare Support Bill is passed by the Oireachtas
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone,
“delighted to introduce the first ever legislation on childcare support for families”.
For the first time, families to enjoy a clear, legal entitlement to financial support for childcare.
Tuesday 26th June 2018
The legislation establishing the new Affordable Childcare Scheme- the Childcare Support Bill- completed its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas this evening, and is expected to be enacted in the coming days.
The groundbreaking legislation is a first. For the first time ever, childcare support is enshrined in primary legislation. There will be a clear legal entitlement to financial support for childcare costs, benefiting generations of families to come. The Childcare Support Bill 2017 was published in December and has received widespread, cross-party support as it travelled through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Once launched, the Affordable Childcare Scheme will provide financial support to help reduce the cost of childcare for parents. Through this financial support, the scheme aims to improve access; assist families to return to work and training; reduce child poverty; and improve outcomes for children.
“I believe everyone is aware of the importance of delivering accessible, affordable, quality childcare to families in Ireland. It is a key priority of this government and will require sustained investment and momentum over the coming years to achieve the childcare system that families in Ireland both need and deserve,” commented Minister Zappone.
“In establishing the Affordable Childcare Scheme, the Bill creates a platform with the ability to flex and expand to allow more children and families to benefit from greater State investment in childcare in the years ahead. In short, it is an essential foundation for my pledge to transform our childcare system from one of the most expensive in the world to one of the best. We cannot make that step-change without it.”
The development of the administrative and IT infrastructure for the new scheme is well under way. Minister Zappone will outline timescales for the launch of the scheme once the external IT developer is fully in place.
In the meantime, there is continued growth in the number of children who have benefited from the childcare supports put in place in September 2017 to lower the cost of childcare for families. The families of more than 76,000 children have already benefited from such supports since last September.
Parents interested in knowing more about their childcare entitlements should go to www.affordablechildcare.ie
Post graduate diploma/Master of Arts in Leadership and Advocacy for the Early Years
Post graduate diploma/Master of Arts in Leadership and Advocacy for the Early Years - IT Sligo
Ireland’s Early years sector has a dynamic, exciting and challenging future. To equip this sector to address these challenges, requires transformational leaders who will positively impact on the creation of the highest quality childcare services for children and their families. This Level 9 blended delivery programme recognises the importance of developing effective leadership and advocacy competencies while supporting participants pursue full time careers in the sector.
Career progression
Graduates of this two year programme have advanced their careers in the Early Years into a diverse range of leadership roles including: Managers of Early Years services, National Aistear Coordinator, Managers of County Childcare Committee, Better Start mentors. Lecturers/ QQI Tutors, Managers and Team Leaders of Early Intervention Family Support services.
Level 9 Programme Delivery
All applicants will complete the Level 9 Post Graduate Diploma and proceed to complete the Masters on successful award of the Post Graduate Diploma. 24 places available
Duration 4 Semesters Commencing September 2018 ( Subject to demand)
Structure Post Graduate Diploma 6 modules, 2 modules,
Semesters 1.2 3 60 ECTS Credits *
MA -2 modules, Semester 4 30 ECTS Credits
Semester 1 September –December
Weekly 2 hour online lectures 7-9 pm
5 day residential workshops October on campus at IT Sligo
Semester 2 January-May
Weekly 2 hour online lectures 7-9 pm
5 day residential workshops May on campus at IT Sligo
Cost
Post Graduate Diploma €5000 .with a subsequent €2,500 for the Add on MA.
Flexible payment options can be negotiated.
Entry Requirements
2.2 BA Honours in ECCE or cognate discipline and will have a minimum of two years experience working in the early years or a related field on completion of the post graduate programme. All applicants will be interviewed on the 20th June.
For further information please contact
Roisin McGlone Programme Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click on the leaftes below to enlarge and read in more detail
 |
 |
