Parent and Toddler Groups

What is a parent and toddler group?

A Parent and Toddler Group is an informal group within the local community, which provides an opportunity for young children and their parents or carers to meet. Parent and Toddler Groups can be a great way of meeting other people with children the same age as yours in your area. While these were traditionally aimed at parents, they can include childminders, grandparents and other guardians.

First 5 , the whole-of-government ten-year strategy aims to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. First 5 recognises children’s early years as a critical and distinct period to be enjoyed. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth helps families to nurture babies and young children and support their development, with additional support for those who need it. Parent and Toddler Groups provide a great meeting place for parents and guardians with young children to relax and chat together in a supportive environment while their children play.

There are over five hundred active Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide, contact details for active groups in your area can be found below.

To find out more about other early learning and childcare supports, please visit: www.gov.ie/childcare

What is WCCC's role in a parent and toddler group?

  • WCCC can provide advice and support by visiting the group.
  • WCCC can help with sourcing funding, information and training

What is the parent's role?

The Parents and carers are the group without them the group cannot exist. In a Parent and Toddler Group each parent or carer is responsible for their own children at all times.

What should i expect from a parent and toddler group?

As there is such a variety of groups under the Parent and Toddler umbrella no two groups run the same, A Parent and Toddler group is a local support group where parents and carers can meet to chat and develop friendships in a safe and friendly environment while their children play and socialise together.