PARENTS
Directory of Childcare Services
We're Interested in Hearing from You
Parent Representatives
Message from Parent's Representative
Events for Parents
Tips for Parents
Directory of Childcare Services
Childcare facilities throughout the county were invited to include details of their service in our new Directory of Childcare Services. The response was phenomenal, so if you are looking for a childcare facility in your area our directory is the place to start.If you require a copy of our Directory call Tracey in the office on 057 9135878.
We're Interested in Hearing from You
Offaly County Childcare Committee is interested in hearing from you. We organise a Parent's Forum where interested parents meet three times a year at various locations throughout the county and through us, organise such events as Art & Crafts Workshops, Cookery Demonstrations and Family Days. The Parent's Forum gives parents an opportunity to meet with the parent representatives and discuss issues that are relevant. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Parent's Forum please contact our office.
Parents Representatives
There are two parent's representatives on the committee one representing the views of parent's of pre-school aged children and the other representing the views of parent's of school aged children in the county. At present the pre-school representative seat is vacant. If you are a parent of a pre-school child and are interested in getting information on becoming a member of the Board of Offaly County Childcare Committee please contact Áine on 057 9135878.
Message from Parent's Representative
Offaly County Childcare Committee recognise that most young families, on a regular or occasional basis, rely on the services of childminders, childcare providers or afterschool care. Parent's representative Nathalie Watts is committed to supporting other parents in their search for quality, affordable, inclusive and accessible childcare. Sharing of information through a network of parents provides a vital link in the achievement of our aims. If you would like to contact Nathalie and find out more about the Parent's Forum and Networking opportunity for Parents please telephone the office.
CONTACT DETAILS - Through the OCCC office on 057 91 35878 or by Email, marked for the attention of Nathalie
Events for Parents
Information / Coffee Morning- Tuesday 23rd June, 11am-12noon, Killeigh Community Hall (First School House)
Cost: No cost
Information / Coffee Morning- Tuesday 6th October, 11am-12noon, Venue to be confirmed
Cost: No cost
Parent's Seminar - 'Raising Confidient Children' with Dr Tony Humphries, Saturday 10th October, Tullamore Court Hotel
Cost: €20 (to include lunch)
Dr Tony Humphries
Dr. Tony Humphreys is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Author and National and International Speaker. He is regularly sought for his expertise and views on radio and television shows. He is the author of twelve best-selling books. His best known books are The Power of ‘Negative’Thinking; Self-Esteem, the Key to Your Child’s Future; Work and Worth, take back your life; Myself, My Partner; Leaving The Nest ; Whose Life Are You Living; All About Children.
He is amusing and entertaining in his presentations without diluting the meaning and depth of the messages he wishes to convey. He writes and speaks in a language that is easy and accessible.
His seminar in Tullamore in October promises to be enlightening.
To secure a place at the Seminar please contact 057 9135878 for a booking form.
Parent's Forum - Arts & Crafts with Children Saturday 24th October, 2-4pm, Doodlebugs, Tullamore
Cost: €5 per child
Tips for Parents
Food Additives in your Child's Diet
Experts recently advised against children eating artificial additives linking them to hyperactivity and poor concentration.
Among the additives referred to are:
Take time to read the ingredients in the foods that your child is eating.
Raising Children Confident
1. Always be positive. Assume your child can and will rather than can't and won't.
2. Do not compare children. Realise they all have different strengths and weaknesses.
3. Spend time with your child. Let the child know that your time together is important.
4. Be careful not to force child to do anything he/she find unbearable.
5. Giving children jobs they can do makes them feel important.
6. Children need to be loved for who they are and not for their achievements.
7. Give your child hugs.
8. Show don't stow! Always show art work even if you don't know what it is!
9. Avoid using name calling"silly""stupid"about child.
10. Help your child develop i can do attitude, attitude is more important aptitude.
Encourage Play. Play is a child's text book. Play encourages interactions with others.Play helps children to find out who they are, discover what they can do and realise they can manage.Play encourages curiosity, ideas, concentration and sharing as well as physical health.All these allow self-confidence to develop and to be nurtured.
Activities for Pre-school Children
Whispering
Whispering helps children to adapt their voices, which is an important aspect of sound. It also takes a lot of concentration. Try whispering something to your child like "Can you clap your hands"? Ask your child to whisper something back to you. Keep whispering to each other as a game until child understands and is comfortable with whispering.
RECIPE FOR PLAY DOUGH
It’s simple to make and fun to play with! All you need is:
1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
Food colouring
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients, adding food colouring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Will last for up to 3 weeks if kept in an air tight container.
No Cost Fun Things To Do
Try these fun games while recycling at the same time.
Make a Treasure Basket. The treasure basket is a collection of everyday objects chosen to stimulate the different senses. It is one way of giving babies a wide range of experiences that help the brain to make connections and develop – and helps to keep them happy! Babies learn from the treasure basket by looking, touching, sucking, licking, banging, picking up and dropping. It gives babies the chance to explore and decide for themselves what they want to play with.
Making A Treasure Basket
A treasure basket should not tip over too easily. Fill the basket with objects, so that your baby has plenty to choose from. Make sure that everything you choose for the basket is safe. Everyday items from around the home are best. The purpose is to offer interest through smell, taste, sound, touch and sight.
A basket should contain:
For more information contact Us
