WHAT WE DO
Offaly County Childcare Committee supports the development of Quality Childcare Services in Offaly.
We work with service providers and potential providers to assist them to develop and / or expand a service.
Please feel free to contact us if you need support, advice and/or information on any of the following:
This is just a few of our publications to date:
Special Needs Directory:
This directory was put together by the Equality and Diversity Working group of Offaly County Childcare Committee in response to the need expressed by parents and childcare providers.
The Directory contains information on services and supports available to parents of children with special needs. The directory will help people to access information and services for children with special needs in Offaly.
Directory of Childcare Services in Offaly:
This Directory gives the definition of the different types of childcare services i.e. full day care, sessional, playgroup etc. It also childcare services, it also gives a list of Parent & Toddler groups, Crèches, Playgroups and Afterschool in Offaly. It is available to parents who are looking for childcare facilities for their children.
Spraoi Le Cheile:
This resource manual for use with children of all ages was compiled by the Border, Midlands and West County Childcare Committees. The A5 sized manual includes rhymes, poems, songs and games which were contributed by people from the 14 counties involved who remembered them from their childhood. Contributions were made in both Irish and English and both languages are reflected in the manual.Manuals will be distributed to services over he coming months and are available free of charge to parents.
Benefits of Playgroup/Preschool for your Child:
The government has recently given due recognition to the role of early childhood care and education. This booklet was prepared by Offaly County Childcare Committee to help parents and childcare providers to recognise the Benefits for Children of Early Childhood Care and Education.
The booklet informs parents of the various programmes available in Offaly as well as the skills that children may acquire while attending playgroup/pre-school.
Parents Guide to Choosing Childcare:
Choosing a childcare service for your child can be a very anxious time for parents. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational and nurturing.
This booklet was prepared by Offaly County Childcare Committee to help parents to identify the types of childcare options that are available and to assist parents to make an informed choice that suits you and your child/ren.
Quality Play for Adults and Children:
“A playing child is a learning child”. This leaflet outlines the ages and stage appropriate play for children from birth to 4 years of age.
Childminder Advisory Pack:
This pack aims to support childminders to provider a Quality Childminding Service and compliments the voluntary notification process and the National Guidelines for Childminders. The Support pack contains sample Childminding Policies and Procedure, Record Keeping Forms and an Information Booklet for Childminders.
Summary of Strategic Plan:
Offaly County Childcare Committee aims to “support the development of quality, affordable, inclusive, accessible childcare and family friendly services for all the children in every part of the county”.
In order to achieve this aim Offaly County Childcare Committee has developed a Strategic Plan linked to the 13 National Objectives of the National Childcare Investment Programme.
This summary gives an overview of how the work of Offaly County Childcare Committee is prioritised.
A copy of any of these publications can be obtained by telephoning the office on 057 9135878.
