These are the deadlines, information, and announcements for the week 26th -30th September 2022.
DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES:
Friday, 30th September 2022 (TODAY)
- Learner Fund Bursary 2022 closes for applications.
- The Finance and Impact returns deadline for August 2022 (Community Services only)
- LINC+ will close for new applications at 4pm
Friday 28 October 2022
New LINC graduate applications received by 5pmwill be awarded the additional capitation from the Inclusion Co-ordinator’s employment start date relevant to the 2022/23 programme year.
Tuesday, 1st November 2022
Deadline for the Tusla re-registration is Tuesday 1st of November 2022. Any services with Tusla numbers starting with TU2015, TU2016 or TU2019 that still needs to re- register must do so before then.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Ukrainian Supports – Partner Packs
The Department of Education are focussing on making sure all families who arrived in recent weeks or who arrive from now on know how to and why they should access the education system in Ireland.
In addition, for families that are changing accommodation, the aim is to support them as they settle into a school in their new locality. You can view link here https://www.cypsc.ie/_fileupload/Documents/Resources/Donegal/Partner%20Pack%20%20Ukraine%20Supports%2027_09_2022.pdf
Letter from Minister and Press Release on Budget 2023
All providers received a letter from Minister O’Gorman (attached) in relation to the package of measures for ELC and SAC under Budget 2023 on Wednesday 28th September.
The press release can be found here https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/d422b-minister-ogorman-secures-1bn-investment-in-early-learning-and-childcare/
Conference for Naíonra teachers
Gaeloideachas have announced an upcoming conference is being held for Naíonra teachers. Gaeloideachas is a national, voluntary organisation supporting the development of Irish-medium education. You can register here
https://gaeloideachas.ie/sabhail-an-data-do-chomhdhail-na-luathbhlianta/
Tusla re-registration 2022
Services with Tusla numbers starting with TU2015, TU2016 or TU2019 are required to renew their registration at this time. The registered provider must make an application to be registered not less than 2 months before the expiry of the previous registration date.
Tusla have developed an e-learning programme to help with the re-registration process. This is available on the following link: https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/early-years-providers/early-years-provider-resources/elearning/
There are also a number of other supporting documents available on this link https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/early-years-providers/early-years-re-registration/ . Here you will find:
Making a submission on the portal
Step by step guide to registration renewal
Q & A document
Webinar
Presentation
Declaration to be signed
Research on the childcare needs of parents who work atypical hours or live in rural communities
The focus of this research is on the childcare needs of parents who work atypical hours and/or live in rural communities. There are 6 online focus groups being held across the month of October. Please share with parents in your service (see attached information sheet)
Early Years Educators – Invitation to take part in a Public Consultation
Early Years Educators are invited to join focus groups as part of phase 2 of public consultation on the Review of ELC Regulations regarding Tusla’s enforcement powers which is underway at present. The focus group for Early Years Educators is planned to take place online on 6 October at 7:30pm. (see attached)
The Inclusive Society Starts in the Sandbox!
A HYBRID Event to explore the potential for inclusive play design in the Netherlands. This event is taking place on Monday the 3rd of October. For those in attendance the event will incorporate a site and practical visit to Curraheen Playground, Bishopstown.
You can register for the event here
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-inclusive-society-starts-in-the-sandbox-tickets-423750728837
ICBN Survey Bereaved Children Supports
The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network (ICBN) we are currently collecting information on the range of services and supports that are available for bereaved children and their families.
They know that there are very few services exclusively tailored to support bereaved children, but they do understand that bereavement comes up as an issue in many of the family support services and we are hoping to capture an insight into all this work.
They anticipate that the majority of organisations will be either NGO or Statutory services, but they are also open to hearing about bereavement specific private providers. If you do provide services/supports to bereaved children, they would appreciate if you could complete this short survey (link below). The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather information about the range of services/ supports that are available for bereaved children and their families in your area. The information gathered will help generate a national resource, information about Statutory and NGO organisations may be published on our website www.childhoodbereavement.ie, information from private providers will be held for reference purposes only.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7NR77VV
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality programme
Westmeath CCC will be delivering our next suite of DEI training for educators on the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education.
Training dates ; All dates must be attended.
- Tuesday – 25th October 1pm-5pm
- Thursday 27th October 1pm-4pm
- Tuesday 8th November 1pm-4pm
- Thursday 10th November 1pm-4pm
Venue – Westmeath CCC training room postcode – N91E430
Training is rolled out with a maximum of 12 participants per suite of training and is free of charge to all participants.
For booking please email nreid@westmeathchildcare.ie for more details
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 (www.first5.gov.ie) for the most up to date information and guidance.
Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us on 049335454 or info@westmeathchildcare.ie
