This week in Childcare

Dear Colleagues

These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week 27th June-1st July 2022.

DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:

Today *** 5pm Friday 1st July 2022***

  • Programme Support Payments (PSP) 2022 Deadline

Monday 4th July

  • ECCE Registrations Open for Programme Call 2022/2023

Friday 15th July

  • 2022 Childminder Development Grant is open for applications

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement and FAQ

The Core Funding Partner Service Agreement was published this week along with an FAQ document (attached for your convenience). ELC and SAC services signing up for Core Funding will be referred to as Partner Services. The Funding Agreement outlines details on how Core Funding will operate for programme year 2022/23. This will include commitments from the Minister and his department as well as obligations on the part of the service provider. All services should take time to carefully review the Funding Agreement.

The application process for Core Funding will open towards the end of July. Once completed, the application will calculate the services specific Core Funding value and this value will then be subject to final verifications and confirmations. The Funding Agreement will be available to sign electronically via the Early Years Hive in mid-August. Payments are made monthly in advance and payment for September will be made at the end of August. An important point to note is that Core Funding is contingent upon Employment Regulations Orders being in effect for all roles across the sector as defined in the Early Years’ Service Joint Labour Committee Establishment Order. Further information can be found here: https://first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/. You can also contact Westmeath County Childcare Committee for any queries or support around Core Funding.

ECCE Registrations Programme Call 2022/2023

Registrations for ECCE Programme Call 2022/2023 open from Monday 4th July. ECCE 2022 Programme Call will commence on Monday 22nd August 2022. Guidance and training videos on ECCE registrations can be found on the ECCE Child Registration page under Resources on the Early Years Hive.

CCSP Saver Programme

Registrations for the 2022 CCSP Saver Programme will open on 8th August 2022.

NCS

Registration of CHICKs for NCS can be done on the Early Years Hive portal at any time.

PIP Portal

Please note that Pobal will no longer post announcements for service providers on the PIP Portal once the CCSP 2021 Programme Call ends in August, as all programmes will be administered on the Early Years Hive following the end of the current programme year. All announcements will be posted on the announcement page of the Early Years Hive. Guidance on how to use the Hive announcement page can be found here. All important dates are also added to the Hive’s announcement calendar page.

Programme Readiness 2-ECCE and NCS

Services are invited to a Pobal webinar around ECCE and NCS programme readiness which will include ECCE registration, retrieving NCS CHICKS and a walkthrough of the Funding Tab. Services can sign up through the links below:

DateTimeWebinar Links
Mon 4th July2.30pmhttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8534508634735744782
Tues 5th July6.30pmhttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/138923718061444619
Weds 6th July10amhttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2053364777042713614

Programme Support Payments (PSP) 2022

PSP application deadline has been extended until 5pm Friday 1st July 2022. Applications after this date will not be accepted.

Covid case advice  

Please note that the Covid-19 Out of Hours/Weekend Helpline (1800 940 341) has ceased operating from 27/6/2022.  ELC and SAC providers and Childminders that have positive cases and require support can contact the HSE ELC/SAC dedicated helpline on 01 511 9777.  For general Covid-19 queries you can contact HSE live on 1800 700 700 or 01 240 8787 or visit the First 5 website (www.first5.gov.ie) for the most up to date information and guidance.  

Barnardos Free Resources          

A reminder that Barnardos have a range of free downloadable ebooks for parents and professionals which can be accessed here https://shop.barnardos.ie/collections/free-ebooks

Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0449335454 or info@westmeathchildcare.ie.   

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