Parent and Toddler Groups
Parent and Toddler Group Initiative and Grant Scheme
The purpose of the Parent and Toddler Group Initiative, is to provide grants to Parent and Toddler Groups for the development of their services.
It is also designed to develop a support and information strategy, in collaboration with the City and County Childcare Committees, to assist the promotion and expansion of Parent and Toddler Groups. This initiative also works closely with other agencies and organisations that already provide valuable ongoing support to these groups, ensuring a collaborative approach.
Each year, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) makes funding available for Parent and Toddler Groups. This funding is administrated locally by Limerick Childcare Committee. The Parent and Toddler Group Grant can be used to purchase toys, educational materials and equipment or make some minor household adaptations to assist the childminder in developing a quality service.
Applications forms are available from Limerick Childcare Committee once per year and are posted to all Parent and Toddler Groups known to Limerick Childcare Committee.
Parent & Toddler Group Grant 2022
Grants of up to €1,250 are available. New start-up groups may apply for up to €1,250 and existing groups may apply for up to €800.
For 2022, 2 new funding streams have been introduced:
- additional funding of up to €400 is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups
- additional funding of up to €400 is available for new or existing groups to provide an additional session per week
For an application form and a copy of the guidelines, please email niamh@limerickchildcare.ie
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 24th June 2022
Information and Resources
ABC Start Right in Limerick developed a very useful resource for those wishing to set up and run a Parent and Toddler Group, entitled Your Baby and Toddler Group Companion.
Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) has produced an online resource ‘Starting a Parent, Baby and Toddler Group’ which acts as a guidance to those interested in setting-up/organising a Parent and Toddler Group. ECI also provides insurance for Parent and Toddler Groups.
Kerry County childcare Committee has developed a support guide entitled ‘A County Childcare Committee Support Guide to Developing & Running a Parent & Toddler Group’ which was developed to help anyone wishing to set up a Parent and Toddler Group or those currently running one, to ensure a quality service is provided, that runs smoothly and conveniently for all the children and parents attending.
To order a copy of the above named book, contact Kerry County Childcare Committee on 066 7181582 or info@kerrycountychildcare.com
Kerry County Childcare Committee has also developed a ‘Parent & Toddler Information Leaflet’ for parents. The leaflet answers questions like – What is a Parent & Toddler Group? Who can attend a Parent & Toddler Group? What happens at a Parent & Toddler Group meeting? The leaflet can be downloaded below.