These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week 30th January to 3rd February 2023.
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Wednesday 8th February 2023
Expressions of Interest for participation in the independent financial review of sessional early
learning and childcare services.
Friday 10th February 2023 @ 5 pm *Final deadline*
Deadline for submission of December 2022 (FIR’s) The Finance and Impact returns
Thursday 2nd March 2023
Deadline for all NCS Parental Agreements to be updated.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The Finance and Impact returns (FIRs) for December 2022 are available for completion on Pobal Online (Community services only)
The FIRs deadline has been extended. The DCEDIY encourages services to complete the returns to help identify any problems that Pobal and the DCECIY may help resolve. If you require any assistance in completing the return, please complete a service request on the HIVE, selecting the FIRs as the category and sub-category of the request.
Update re Parental Agreement and Co-Payment tool
The deadline for updating parental agreements for NCS is March 2nd, 2023. The Co-Payment tool and/or the semi-automated Parental Agreements are based on the information inputted by Service Providers and does not include NCS closure periods. Therefore, Providers should review the calculations to ensure they are correct for the service’s particular circumstances. If there are additional unfunded days, the calculations will need to be adjusted.
AIM Level 1 2022 – LINC
If you have not already done so, it is still possible to apply for AIM Level 1 to receive capitation for your service if you have a new and existing Graduate of LINC. However, it is important to be aware that any application received after 28th October will not be backdated. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Early Years HIVE portal. Applicant guidelines can be found here.
Happy Talk
Please see attached the February edition of the Happy talk calendar.
This month Happy Talk offers a gentle mindful moment and some playful rhymes around learning position. Rhymes are fantastic vocabulary boosters. They feature a clear rhythmic pattern and simple yet fun repetitive phrases that babies and young children find easy to remember and repeat. When you use rhymes as a way of supporting children’s development fundamental learning happens in a fun and positive way for both the child and practitioner.
Government approves proposals to strengthen enforcement powers of the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate and pave the way to regulate childminders.
Tuesday 31 January 2023
Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has today secured Government approval to bring forward legislative amendments in relation to the enforcement powers of the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate. The proposals brought to Cabinet by the Minister seek to ensure that Tusla has the appropriate enforcement powers to address serious non-compliance with the Regulations by early learning and childcare services and that parents have access to information in relation to the quality of these services.
Minister O’Gorman also received approval for proposals to change the legal status of childminders, which would make possible the future regulation of childminders and allow for access to the National Childcare Scheme to be opened in future to parents who use registered childminders, in line with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028.
The Press Release in full is attached to the bulletin for your convenience.
Expressions of Interest for participation in the independent financial review of sessional early learning and childcare services.
Dear Service Provider,
The Department has commissioned Frontier Economics to complete an independent financial review of sessional early learning and childcare services. The Department wishes to invite sessional services to express their interest in participation in this review.
The independent financial review aims to gather timely and robust data to help inform developments to the funding model. The review will involve two stages of data collection:
1) Frontier Economics will collect financial information through a questionnaire by email. To ensure the validity and accuracy of the findings of the review, verification of information will be a requirement to participate in this review. Verification documentation may include, for example, monthly income and expenditure reports with supporting evidence such as bank statements and bills.
2) Frontier Economics will then conduct one-on-one interviews by phone or video call. These interviews will provide an opportunity for providers to share their views on their own financial circumstances with reference to the financial information collected in stage one.
All sessional only services are invited to express their interest in participation in the independent financial review. The expression of interest and further information is attached to this bulletin
Introduction to Childminding Sessions
Kildare & Westmeath CCC are holding a FREE online information session on Introduction to Childminding with some practical ideas about starting a professional childminding business that will have a positive impact on the lives of children. The online session will also provide an opportunity to ask questions to your local Childminding Development Officers who can support you on your journey.
Join us on Friday 10 February @10.00 – 11.00 am: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/528301101817
This event is hosted by Kildare County Childcare Committee in collaboration with Westmeath, Offaly and Longford CCCs.
Covid case advice
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 for the most up to date information and guidance. (www.first5.gov.ie)
Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0449335454 or info@westmeathchildcare.ie
