What is Childminding?
A Childminder is a person who singlehandedly minds children in the Childminder’s own home. Childminders are self-employed, agree their own terms, fees and conditions with parents, and are responsible for their own tax and PRSI arrangements.
Childminders offer home-based childcare in their own homes. This care is personal, unique, adaptable and family friendly. Childminders play an important role in supporting families: between 70% – 80% of all childcare in Ireland is carried out by paid and unpaid Childminders. They are valued, recognised and respected by parents and childcare organisations alike.
Legislation
Certain categories of Childminders come under the Child Care Act (Early Years Services) 2016 Regulations and are legally obliged to notify Tusla that they are providing a Childminding service.
See our Tusla registration guide for more information on how to register and exemptions that may apply.
Childminding Development Grant
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provides Childminding Development Grants of up to €1,000 to those who provide or intend to provide a childminding service in the Childminder’s own home. You may apply for a grant every two years to purchase equipment or make small home modifications for your service.
Contact us at info@wccc.ie or 0404 64455 to find out when the next round of funding is available.
Childminding Development Grant Application Form
Grant applications are currently closed.
