A new Healthy Ireland Smart Start (HISS) Birth – 3 Years Programme has been developed by HSE Health and Wellbeing and the National Childhood Network (NCN), supported by DCEDIY.

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Healthy Ireland Smart Start Birth – 3 Years Programme
A new Healthy Ireland Smart Start (HISS) Birth – 3 Years Programme has been developed by HSE Health and Wellbeing and the National Childhood Network (NCN), supported by DCEDIY.
National Childhood Network are delighted to invite Crèche providers across Ireland to nominate Baby and Toddler Educators to take part in this new programme.
Programme content
Health Promotion
Nurturing Emotional Wellbeing
Physical Activity
Nutrition
Oral Health
The programme is of 11 hours duration and will be delivered via Zoom over a six-week period.
Participating services will receive a comprehensive resource pack for their setting. Services working to fully implement the programme and achieve the Healthy Ireland Award in the future will have free access to a dedicated Help Desk at NCN. Participants in the training programme will also receive their own CPD certificate upon completion of the training and return of their training evaluations which are so important to NCN and the HSE so we know what participants like about the programme and what might make it better.
Participating services need to agree the following criteria:
• educators attend the full 11 hours of training
• share information resources and learning from the programme with colleagues
• share programme information with parents
Delivery of the Birth – 3 Years programme will begin week commencing 14th February 2022.
Delivery of the programme is heavily subsidised by the HSE. The cost to service providers is €50 which allows two staff members to avail of the training
Click in below to register

NCS Overview- How to Apply

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NCS-Did you know the CHILDCARE SUBSIDY CALCULATOR can help you estimate how much you may be eligible for before you apply

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Did you know the CHILDCARE SUBSIDY CALCULATOR can help you estimate how much you may be eligible for before you apply? (No Data is retained – No Names – No PPSN’s)
Click on the link to try it for yourself :

To Apply for the NCS you need a Verified MyGov id

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PARENTS : You need a verified MyGov id to start your application Online by clicking on the link https: NCS How to Apply
Or To make a paper application, please contact the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530.

**PARENTS are you aware of The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) ?

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The NCS is a scheme that provides financial support to help meet the costs of childcare?

Watch the quick 2 minute introduction video to learn more

Reminder-Friday the 11th of February is the closing date for new registrations for package one of LINC+

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Reminder that this Friday the 11th of February is the closing date for new registrations for package one of LINC+, Communities of Practice in Early Learning and Care.

https://lincprogramme.ie/apply-now-linc-plus?fbclid=IwAR0PtGM_01s6DhbpGwKGSGoysRkaTVfJfNkmNRyQzaOtsuVN5RSy_4ZzY_Y

Covid-19 Support Helpline for ELC and SAC providers– 1800 940341

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A reminder of the Covid-19 Support Helpline for ELC and SAC providers– 1800 940341 is available from 10am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm at the weekend.

Press release-Minister O’Gorman marks Day of Hope and Recognition for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare 04/02/2022

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Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman T.D., has today (04 February) marked the Day of Hope and Recognition for early learning and care and school-age childcare by committing to continue increasing Government investment into the sector and supporting early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners.

The Government has set out ambitious and wide-ranging reforms for the sector. These include: an overhaul of how the sector is funded; commitments to strengthen professional development and career pathways for educators and practitioners; and supports for improvements in pay and conditions.

Over the last twelve months, actions taken by Minister O’Gorman have included:

  • Announcement of a new ‘core funding stream’ for services. This funding, worth over €207 million in a full year, will enable providers to attract and retain qualified staff.
  • Launch of Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028, setting out plans for a graduate-led workforce and strengthened career pathways.
  • A process that led to establishment of a Joint Labour Committee for Early Years Services, providing a mechanism to help address issues of pay and conditions in the sector.

Commenting on the Day of Hope and Recognition, Minister O’Gorman said:

“During Covid-19, we all gained a much better appreciation of the work done by the professionals who work in early learning and care and school-age childcare. Through some of the darkest days of the pandemic, they kept their doors open, and made sure that our children had a safe and supportive environment in which to learn and develop.

“As early years educators and school-age childcare professionals mark their day of hope and recognition, I want to re-iterate that I am committed to making sure their pay and conditions reflect the importance of the work they do.

“Our ambition is for Ireland to have world-class early learning and care and school-age childcare, which helps children thrive, is affordable for parents, and values those who work in it. We are embarking on wide-ranging reform of the sector, and by working in partnership with providers and professionals, we can achieve that ambition.”

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ab77e-minister-ogorman-marks-day-of-hope-and-recognition-for-early-learning-and-care-and-school-age-childcare/

Carlow CCC are pleased to announce that the Level 7 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice will commence in September 2022.

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Carlow CCC are pleased to announce that the Level 7 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice will commence in September 2022.

From September 2022, this level 7 will be a three-year programme. This part time programme, which is 50% funded by Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, is designed for practitioners or those working in the sector who wish to upskill.

This programme will run two evenings per week and approximately 6 Saturdays during the academic year.

Please see the attached documents including an FAQ and the Application form.

Childcare FAQ

Application Form Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice 2022

Please note there will be an Information Evening on Tuesday the 22nd of February 2022 online

For more information you can Contact Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet on 059 9132152 or  admin@carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie