These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week of 30th September to 4th October 2024:
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Thursday 24th October 2024 @ 5pm
AIM level 1 LINC Coordinator deadline for new graduates to receive funding backdated to the start of the programme year or the LINC Coordinators start date.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
National Child Safeguarding Programme – Mandated Persons Info Blast
Please see attached updated Mandated Persons Info Blast following the change to the Children First Act, brought about by the Childcare Amendment Act, 2024.
AIM Plus Payments
The first AIM Plus payments were processed this week for applications which are at Approved (Level 7 capitation allocated) or Approved (existing Level 7 capitation in place).
Applications which were submitted by 25 September 2024, once approved, will be backdated to the latest date of the following:
- The AIM standard funding start date.
- The date support commenced (employment of additional employee).
- The date the NCS confirmed claim commences.
At present, it is not possible to submit a review for AIM Plus or AIM Non-term applications. A further announcement will be issued once reviews are available on the Early Years Hive for AIM Plus and AIM Non-term applications.
Should you have any queries in relation to the AIM programme, please contact the Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) by raising a Request on the Early Years Hive
AIM Level 1 (Linc Coordinator)
The AIM Level 1 application process has now opened on Early Years Hive for services with new graduates of the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) programme. A ‘new graduate’ refers to any person graduating in October 2024. Applications received by 5pm on Thursday 24th October 2024 will be awarded the additional capitation from the Inclusion Co-Ordinator’s employment start date relevant to the 2024/25 programme year. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as any applications received after this date will not be backdated. Applications must be submitted via the Early Years Hive. Applicant guidelines can be found here.
Compliance Framework Guidance
The DCEDIY Compliance Framework Guidance document and FAQ can be accessed in English and Irish on the Hive.
Equal Start
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) announced the first group of early learning and childcare settings to receive a funding boost through the Equal Start scheme. Click here for the press release by Minister O’Gorman.
Fee Increase Assessment and Approval Process
To submit an expression of interest in the Fee Increase Assessment and Approval Process, Partner Services can contact their Development Worker directly or info@westmeathchildcare.ie.
Applicant Guidelines can be found on the Hive> Resources> Programme Documents> Guidelines on Fee Management
Reminder deadline for submission of fee increase application is 29th November 2024.
NCS Policy Guidelines Update
Some changes have been made to the policy guidelines to clarify existing rules for providers and parents. A summary of the changes is detailed in the announcement section on Hive.
Minister O’Gorman publishes new regulations for childminding
Recently Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, announced the publication of the new Childminding Regulations, which came into effect last Monday 30th September. For further information please click here.
Upcoming Training and Events
Rollout of Critical Incident training in Westmeath CCC training Room
Date – Monday 4th November 7pm-9pm
Booking Through Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1037841290237?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please only book 1 place per service reference number.
Covid Case Advice
Please see below links to relevant information:
Preventing the spread of covid 19 in school or childcare – HSE
Management of Infectious Disease in Childcare Facilities and Other Childcare Settings (2012)
General Covid-19 queries: Contact HSE on 1800 700 700 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday / HSE Covid 19
