Bright Star Academy
Position – 2 x Full Time Permanent Contract Positions
Call Us: 044 9335454
ACP National Day of Protest
15th November 2016
Time: 2 pm - 3 pm
Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin
Let your voice be heard
Private Early Education Providers - PEEP
Learner funds 1 & 2 for level 6 courses - Change to deadline
UPCOMING DEADLINES
November - December 2016
“On Friday 28th October 2016 Minister Zappone published a policy paper on the new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme and launched an online consultation survey.
“The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has announced that a 15% increase in funding has been secured for services to support children, young people and families in Budget 2017.
07/10/2016
ECCE Payment - It has been brought to our attention that some ECCE payments that reached bank accounts this morning are incorrect.
We are currently working with Pobal and online support to amend this.
If you feel your service would benefit from the support of a Better Start Early Years Specialist you will be interested to know that we have recently revised our allocation criteria.
The Community Childcare Subvention Programme (CCS) is now open for registrations for community early childhood services and will remain open until 21st October at 5pm.
Please see the following information from DCYA regarding CCS Registrations 2016/17.
Please complete the following short survey from DCYA which aims to give us an accurate picture of the capacity for childcare provision throughout Ireland.
This is a short survey (5 mins max) but the information it provides is extremely valuable for the sector.
The DCYA has developed and published an application process in relation to the granting of exemptions to the minimum enrolment requirements for individual ECCE providers.
Pobal will be issuing weekly ECCE payments from this week onwards, so any group in contract by 9am Tuesday will be paid by this Friday. If a group completes the contracting process after Tuesday, it will be the following Friday before a payment will be issued.
Please see the link below for an important update from DCYA on Garda Vetting..
Please find attached the How to Guide for ECCE Registrations . (PLEASE READ)
Please be advised NOT to try and register any children before the opening date as youwill not be able to do so.
The CCS ‘Private’ Programme which ran from 7 March 2016 to 19 August 2016 and the CCS Resettlement/Relocation Programme which ran from 30 May 2016 to 19 August 2016 will close for child registrations on Friday 2nd September 2016.
For information on the National Childcare Funding Programmes 2016/2017 please click here A Parents Guide to the National Childcare Funding Programmes 2016/2017
Please click on the attached document for information on ECCE preliminiary Payments and programme Readiness
Following a review of Learner Fund 4,DCYA have amended the criteria to take account of feedback it has received in respect to the on-going training needs of the early year’s sector and the continuing qualification recognition process.
We're Hiring
Due to the expansion of our facility with another ECCE Room.
Childcare Assistants and Childcare Supervisors
All Candidates Must have minimum qualification of FETAC Childcare Level 6. Additional requirements:
Garda clearance, First Aid, Child Protection Training. Applicants must have a great knowledge of Aistear and Siolta.
Please send CV and any enquires to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The updated Question & Answer Document based on the Child Care Act 1991(Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 has been posted on Tusla webpage at:
Please note: the following information regarding ‘Contracting for Additional DCYA Funded Childcare Programmes: Application Process 2016/17’, has been received from DCYA (22/07/16).
The application form will be uploaded to PIP later today.
NCLUSION OFFICER TRAINING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS - Friday 24th JUNE!!!
Children with disabilities will have better access to pre-school under a new programme of supports unveiled today (15th June 2016) by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD.
Announcing the new Access and Inclusion Model, or AIM, Minister Zappone said
The Access & Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) programme. AIM is a child-centred model, involving 7 levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted, based on the needs of the child and the early years service provider.
A Learner who has applied to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) for qualification status recognition, and who has received a letter from DCYA verifying that their current qualification is not a Major Award, is eligible to apply for Learner Fund 3 (May 2016)in order to undertake a Major Award at Level 5 to meet future minimum regulatory qualification requirements
Learner Fund 3 (May 2016)
will open to applications on May 27th (@ 14:00 hrs.) 2016
and will close for applications on July 29th (@ 18:00 hrs.) 2016
The Institute of Technology Carlow is please to announce that the ezpert appoint by the Department of Education & Skills to review the Level 7 (Add-On) Bachelor of Arts in Applied Early Childhood and Education & Care for higher capitation purposed has concluded that the content of the programme (i.e. the 60 credits taught during one academic year) does meet the requirements of the eligibility criteria for the higher capitation grant for the DCYA funded ECCE programme in terms of skills and knowledge.
Who is the Childminding Development Grant for?
Childminders, grandparents, relatives etc. who provide a childminding service in their own (childminder’s) home, or those planning to set up a new childminding service. The grant is not available to childminders caring for children in the parent’s home.
Westmeath County Childcare Committee in collaboration with the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs is delighted to seek applications for a Parent & Toddler grant, from existing, or those wishing to set up, Parent and Toddler Groups. If you are involved in running a Parent & Toddler Group in Co. Westmeath and would like further information: please contact Westmeath County Childcare Committee on
044 9335454 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 2nd September 2016.
Childcare services which were previously notified to Tusla under the provisions for notification as prescribed by the Pre School Child Care Regulations 2006 are now required to be re-registered under Article 58 E of the Child & Family Agency Act 2013.
Booking buttons are now on the following link for the briefing sessions
Dr James Reilly, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has today signed new Child Care Regulations (the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016) which will come into effect on a phased basis from 30th June 2016. The new Regulations provide for pre-school services, that is, those services catering for children under the age of 6 who are not attending primary school.
The memo below outlines two important updates from Túsla as follows:
DCYA have activated the second batch of CCS Private contracts on the PIP system this morning Friday, April 22nd at 9am.
79 services in this second batch will have their contracts activated on PIP simultaneously.
A third batch will follow, based on signed contracts/application forms that may be received by the Department in the coming days.
Please see attached communication for more details.
Due to a matter arising the deadline for completed applications has now been extended until 5pm Friday 8th April 2016 to facilitate the completion of your application.
Please ensure that all sections are completed with required documentation attached before submitting your application
EYC 2016 CLOSING FOR APPLICATIONS AT 12 MID-DAY TODAY 6TH APRIL 2016
Please note the deadline for submitted EYC 2016 applications is 12 mid-day today 6th April 2016 - the link will remain on this page for an interim period but any applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) has now processed all Expressions of Interest for participation in the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) – Private programme, submitted before the closing date of 11th March 2016. All services that submitted an Expression of Interest by this date should receive a CCS (Private) Application Pack by Tuesday 29thMarch.
Are you applying for this years capital funding to extend your ECCE capacity? Please click on the link below for important updated information:
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has introduced a new, free service in response to a frightening statistic that shows that as many as 4 out of 5 child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can result in serious injury or worse, a fatality in the event of a collision.
For further information on the EYC2016 programme and information on how to make an application please read the following:
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly, today announced the release of €16m extra funding from Budget 2016 so that the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) scheme, which subsidises childcare for certain low income parents, will be made more accessible by being available through Private Childcare Service Providers. The extension to the scheme will apply from Monday 7th March 2016 and is expected to fund around 8,000 additional childcare places.
The Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Skills is hosting a series of consultation seminars to discuss the progress to date on the development of a new Early Years Education-focused Inspection (EYEI) Model.
Westmeath County Childcare Committee (WCCC) will employ two LA coordinators to oversee the day to day running of the Coordinated Disability Initiative between Longford County Childcare Committee and Westmeath County Childcare Committee.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play key role in a uniquely innovative project. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential with a minimum third level qualification in Disability/Early Education.
Minister Reilly announces capital funding totalling €4 million for Early Years services in 2016
10th February, 2016
Dr James Reilly, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has today announced the launch of capital funding totalling €4 million for Early Years services in 2016 (EYC2016).
To access DCYA clarification update on qualifications please click here
Budget update 7th January 2016 - The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has updated the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the ECCE programme and the budget changes.
Click here to access the FAQs.
You may be aware that from the 1st January 2016, Revenue changed their tax clearance application and verification systems. Paper Tax Clearance Certificates will no longer be issued for a 12 month period.
Revenue will move to providing for real-time ongoing tax clearance. This is to be known as eTax Clearance.
Minister James Reilly recently announced the Learner Fund 4. Learner Fund 4 will subsidise eligible courses leading to a major award at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Learner Fund 4 is opening for applications on Monday 25th January at 2pm, and will remain open until 10th March 2016.
Pre-school providers must submit an online application via their own PIP page, on behalf of their staff member, for a subsidised training course under the heading ‘Learner Fund 4’.
The Learner Fund, which is currently subsidising thousands of learners who applied in 2014, has re-opened for online applications.
To view eligibility for the ECCE programme for children born in 2012, 2013 and 2014, please click on the link to view how long a child is eligible to the ECCE programme.
WCCC have been advised by DCYA today that a refund of pre-school fees can take place for parents if their children meet the below criteria:
· Eligible for ECCE in 2015 and 2016 – (Children born between 01 January 2012 – 30 June 2012)
· Have been in attendance and fee paying for pre-school from September 2015
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has a dedicated email for#budget2016 questions.
Budget 2016 contains a number of important measures to improve childcare services, including an extension of free pre-school from 1 September next. Information about the main improvements are on our website, and we will shortly add a set of answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
The cost of childcare can be a significant barrier for parents wanting to take up work, education or training. Budget 2016 provides two initiatives focused on increasing the affordability of childcare, to lay the foundation for providing more affordable childcare to a broader range of families.
Quality matters for children. Budget 2016 funds a number of measures to build the quality of childcare provision, including:
During 2016, a suite of supports will be phased in to enable children with disabilities fully participate in, and reap the benefits of, quality pre-school care and education.
From September 2016, every child in Ireland will be able to start pre-school at age three, and to remain in pre-school until they start primary school.
Tuesday 13th October, 2015
Dr. James Reilly TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has announced a major package of childcare measures as part of Budget 2016.
Easy Guide to Childcare Funding Programmes.
WCCC have been advised that the ECCE Higher Capitation application process for the 2015/16 Programme call is now open. Please be aware of the link between this process and the list of DCYA Early Years Recognised Qualifications as published at www.dcya.ie
The Dept of Children & Youth Affairs has just published its list of Recognised Early Years Qualifications, for the purposes of (a) meeting the minimum requirement in the pending childcare Regulations and (b) meeting the contractual requirements for DCYA Childcare Programmes.
Statement
Ireland Fight for the Future Campaign believe that inclusion in Ireland for preschool children should represent the values, beliefs, policies and practices which support each child regardless of ability to access and participate fully in all aspects of their lives and within their communities. Inclusive practice is embedded in reciprocal relationships, promoting a sense of well-being and identity and belonging for child, family and pedagogues. One of the main features which encourages and promotes inclusion for young children is the right to access, quality affordable early childhood education and care. There is currently no universal Government funding to support children with special needs accessing the ECCE Scheme to participate fully in mainstream preschool. Research including the National Disability Authority 2012, the National Council for Special Education 2013, the National Policy Framework for children and young people 2014- 2020 all agree that early intervention is cost effective and beneficial to society.
The Guidance on Specialist Supports has been issued, is available to read on the Change Hub www.hseland.ie and will shortly be available to read on www.hse.ie. It was developed under this programme by a Working Group and through consultation, with contributions from parents and clinicians bringing a wide range of experience and expertise. The Guidance outlines the need for specialist support for a small number of children whose specific needs require a level of expertise which may not solely be met by the Children’s Disability Network Team or Primary Care services.
Parent letters, Service letters and FAQ documents are now available to download from your PIP homepage for each of the three DCYA schemes. Please take time to read through all of these documents prior to beginning the registration process.
Minister James Reilly has today announced that almost €7 million in capital funding has been allocated through the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to 2,415 grantees nationwide.
Update regarding the next steps in the Reporting process for EYC 2015 strand 4 grants.
The ECCE advance (1st) payment will be lodged into bank accounts by Friday 28th August 2015. For services who previously participated in the ECCE programme, the payment will be made for 8 weeks based on last years numbers. For new services into the ECCE programme, it will be based on 3 children for 8 weeks.
DCYA have postponed the commencement of minimum qualification requirements for pre-school. For full details please click here -
DCYA HAVE TODAY ANNOUNCED THEY WILL POSTPONE THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT TO SEPTEMBER 2016.
The ACP is organising three provincial rallies in Connaught/Ulster, Leinster and Munster as part of our Fair Pay Campaign.
Minister Reilly launches ‘Better Start, the National Early Years Quality Development Service’ initiative to promote and enhance quality of early childhood care and education.
This year, while Fee Payment Policies (FPPs) have not changed in format*, the FPPs will be administered through the PIP System. Service Providers will be required to upload their FPP (including calendar and parent letter) on PIP, Westmeath CCC will begin the approval process.
The previous annual re-contracting process for the childcare programmes has been replaced this year by ‘re-entry’ through the submission of 2015/16 Fee Payments Policies (FPP) on the PIP System.
New DCYA Childcare Programme Contract Applications comprise of applications from childcare services that have not previously participated in any of the relevant childcare programmes OR from services that have previously participated in one or more of the childcare programmes but now wish to apply to participate in another
For the latest update regarding the September cut off point for staff qualifications, please click here:Learner Fund
Please remember that the option for CCS appeals closes next Monday the 20th April at 5pm. There will be no facility to lodge an appeal after this deadline so it is very important that you review each application on PIP and ensure the correct band has been approved.
DCYA has secured €7 million for Early Years Capital Programme 2015 (EYC2015). EYC2015 is open to early years settings currently providing services under at least one of the three Department of Children & Youth Affairs National Government programmes, Community Childcare Subvention (CCS), Training Education Childcare (TEC) or Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).