This week in childcare

October 4, 2024
1:13 pm

These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week of 30^th September to 4^th October 2024:

DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:

Thursday 24^th October 2024 @ 5pm

AIM level 1 LINC Coordinator deadline for new graduates to receive funding backdated to the start of the programme year or the LINC Coordinators start date.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

National Child Safeguarding Programme – Mandated Persons Info Blast
Please see attached updated Mandated Persons Info Blast following the change to the Children First Act, brought about by the Childcare Amendment Act, 2024.

Mandated Person Info Blast Sept Download

AIM Plus Payments

The first AIM Plus payments were processed this week for applications which are at Approved (Level 7 capitation allocated) or Approved (existing Level 7 capitation in place).

Applications which were submitted by 25 September 2024, once approved, will be backdated to the latest date of the following:

The AIM standard funding start date.
The date support commenced (employment of additional employee).
The date the NCS confirmed claim commences.

At present, it is not possible to submit a review for AIM Plus or AIM Non-term applications. A further announcement will be issued once reviews are available on the Early Years Hive for AIM Plus and AIM Non-term applications.

Should you have any queries in relation to the AIM programme, please contact the Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) by raising a Request on the Early Years Hive

AIM Level 1 (Linc Coordinator)

The AIM Level 1 application process has now opened on Early Years Hive for services with new graduates of the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) programme. A ‘new graduate’ refers to any person graduating in October 2024. Applications received by 5pm on Thursday 24^th October 2024 will be awarded the additional capitation from the Inclusion Co-Ordinator’s employment start date relevant to the 2024/25 programme year. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as any applications received after this date will not be backdated. Applications must be submitted via the Early Years Hive. Applicant guidelines can be found here.

Compliance Framework Guidance

The DCEDIY Compliance Framework Guidance document and FAQ can be accessed in English and Irish on the Hive.

Equal Start

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) announced the first group of early learning and childcare settings to receive a funding boost through the Equal Start scheme. Click here for the press release by Minister O’Gorman.

Fee Increase Assessment and Approval Process

To submit an expression of interest in the Fee Increase Assessment and Approval Process, Partner Services can contact their Development Worker directly or info@westmeathchildcare.ie.

Applicant Guidelines can be found on the Hive> Resources> Programme Documents> Guidelines on Fee Management

Reminder deadline for submission of fee increase application is 29^th November 2024.

NCS Policy Guidelines Update

Some changes have been made to the policy guidelines to clarify existing rules for providers and parents. A summary of the changes is detailed in the announcement section on Hive.

Minister O’Gorman publishes new regulations for childminding

Recently Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, announced the publication of the new Childminding Regulations, which came into effect last Monday 30^th September. For further information please click here.

Upcoming Training and Events

Rollout of Critical Incident training in Westmeath CCC training Room

Date – Monday 4^th November 7pm-9pm

Booking Through Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1037841290237?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please only book 1 place per service reference number.