Dear Colleagues,
These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week of 8th – 12thJanuary 2024.
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Friday 2nd February 2024
Deadline for Submission of the Finance and Impact Returns (FIRs)
Friday 22nd March 2024
Financial reporting deadline for Core Funding
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Finance and Impact Returns (FIRs)
The Finance and Impact Returns can be completed now and should be submitted through Pobal Online. The DCEDIY has advised the importance for all community services to continue to submit FIRs. The Finance and Impact Returns allow DCEDIY and Pobal to identify and resolve problems. FIRs also act as an informative tool for future financial planning. The deadline for submission is Friday 2nd February 2024 at 5pm and submissions should include information relating to September to December 2023.
Core Funding Income & Expenditure Materials & Videos.
The DCEDIY with the Stakeholder groups have agreed a transitional arrangement for financial reporting to cover year 1 and year 2 of the Core Funding scheme. Financial reporting requirements in this transitional phase have been significantly simplified and streamlined and the material now available on the Early Years Hive reflects those changes. It should be noted that the Financial Management Tool is optional. Please refer to the attached documents “Core Funding Financial Reporting Documents FAQ” and “Income and Expenditure Report-How to Complete 2022.” Please contact your local CCC for support. The following document highlights the changes to reporting during this transitional phase:
AIM Rules for 2023/2024
The AIM Rules for 2023/2024 have now been published on the AIM website. These can be accessed through the following link: https://aim.gov.ie/aim-supports/aim-policy-and-rules/
Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Pilot
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund was recently announced by Minster O’Gorman. It will run as a pilot scheme in 2024. Applications will open in May 2024, for early years educators who have applied to an approved higher education institution with a view for the selected educators to receive financial support for studies starting/commencing in September 2024. The pilot scheme will run in conjunction with the current Learner Fund scheme which will continue to be administrated by the Childcare Committees. The Learner Fund bursary award contribution for 2024 will rise from €750 to €1000 to assist those who are not part of the pilot Nurturing Skills Learner Fund. Further information is available in the Press Release, which you can access here.
STEAM for ECEC workshop with Paula Walshe . DkIT
What will this workshop cover? What is STEAM and why is it important to ECEC practice?
- Strategies to incorporate STEAM using resources you already have.
- Unplugged technology in ECEC environment
- Hands on interactive STEAM activities
- Incorporating STEAM into Aistear curriculum framework
- STEAM in an emergent and inquiry play based curriculum.
- All participants will receive a training pack.
Booking through Eventbrite only https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/steam-for-ecec-workshop-tickets-749899127477?aff=oddtdtcreator
Updating Service Directory 2024
Westmeath CCC are currently in the process of updating our ELC/SAC Service Directory 2024.
In line with our role of providing support and information to all ELC/SAC service providers in regards to the delivery of DCEDIY Programmes, AIM and other statutory regulations, national policy and quality standards we use various methods of communication.
While emails to services are used regularly, text messages also provide a way for us to notify services, remind them of upcoming events or deadlines and to ensure that all services in our area are aware of updates and new information.
This database is reviewed annually and updated on an ongoing basis if requested by childcare services. More than one phone number or email can be included here if necessary.
Would you mind taking 5 minutes to complete this form? https://forms.office.com/e/tnEQtpKPxA
Please find below links to information from the HPSC in relation to Covid-19 and information from the HSE for ELC and SAC providers on preventing the spread of Covid-19 and children returning to ELC and SAC settings. We would be grateful if you share this information with parents, guardians, and staff. https://www.hpsc.ie/news/title-23357-en.html (updated11thAugust2023) https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/ https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/child-returning-to-school-or-childcare/
In addition, please find link below to the Management of Infectious Diseases in Childcare Facilities guidance resource. https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/lifestages/childcare/File,13444,en.pdf Management of Infectious Disease in Childcare Facilities and Other Childcare Settings (2012)
For general Covid-19 queries you can contact HSE on 1800 700 700 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday or visit the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/
Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0449335454 or info@westmeathchildcare.ie
