Dear Colleagues,
Here are the deadlines, important dates, and announcements for the week of 15 – 19 November 2021.
DEADLINES/IMPORTANT DATES:
Friday 3 December 2021
- Final deadline for FAR reimbursement applications
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Budget 2022 Overview and FAQ (updated) for Early Learning and Childcare Providers
The DCEDIY released an updated overview and FAQ of Budget 2022 for Early Learning and Childcare Providers. The document is attached with this email.
Updating Aistear
NCCA are currently in Phase 1 of the updating Aistear process where they are asking the early childhood sector two very important questions (1) What is working well with Aistear and (2) How might it be enhanced and updated. As Aistear is now nearly 12yrs old, your views are valued, any comments and observations on your continuous engagement implementing Aistear principles, themes, learning goals and good practice guidelines as this will inform the updating Aistear process. NCCA encourage consultation engagement from registered providers, educators and parents, and ask you to promote awareness with as many individuals and organisations in the sector to contribute and have their say about an updated framework. Please find supporting information below:
- This short information video: Aistear 2021 with ISL.mp4 on Vimeo
- Link to NCCA webpage for updating Aistear
- Links to the online questionnaire, one for professionals and one for parents / guardians
- Link to a form to register an interest in attending a consultation event.
National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 2028
A number of childminders who expressed an interest in the representation and consultation processes for the National Action Plan for Childminders have been selected. Two groups thus far have been established, the NAPC Steering Group and the NAPC Training & Supports Advisory Group. The NAPC commits to including childminders on its Steering Group and the Advisory Groups that have been or will be established to support the implementation of the Plan.
Balancing questions and comments with Happy Talk
We have attached this month’s Happy Talk newsletter that reminds us to balance the number of questions we ask children with plenty of comments.
Happy Talk is a targeted universal early intervention model of care within the HSE, that delivers speech and language services across Cork City. They have a great range of resources that can be used within Early Years services which can be found here:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/lho/corknorthlee/therapy/happy-talk/resources/
Covid quick guides
The Isolation Quick Guide for adults and children over 13 years of age was updated on the 1st of November – please see link below:
Covid Case Support Helpline
The HSE helpline to advise service providers if they have been informed of a Covid-19 case in a child or a staff member will remain active for a short, transition period, following the changes to contact tracing for children. The number is 01 511 9777.
National Covid-19 Support Helpline for ELC and SAC providers
For those services who need support on engaging with the relevant authorities due to a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19, there is an out of hours helpline. The number is 1800 940 341. The service will be available Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10.00 – 13.00 and 13.30 – 16.00.
