**Vacancies** Ballon Rathoe Childcare Facility are currently recruiting for Early Years Childcare Practitioners

**Vacancies** Ballon Rathoe Childcare Facility are currently recruiting for Early Years Childcare Practitioners

Covid-19 Support Helpline for ELC and SAC Providers

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 only

 

**AIM Information for Providers** Frequently Asked Questions

**AIM Information for Providers**
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about AIM? Make sure to check out the FAQ section!

Carlow CCC Invites Childminders and minded Children to a Free Coffee Morning & play session

Carlow County Childcare Committee Invites Childminders and minded Children to a Free Coffee Morning & play session
Next Thursday 7th April 10am-11:30am at The Big Blue Barn, Carlow
Booking is essential- Contact Carlow CCC on 059 9140244 to book ☕️🥛🍼🙂

**AIM information for Providers**

**AIM information for Providers on How to Apply

Applying for AIM is a very straightforward process, AIM supports are divided into two main areas, universal and targeted supports.

https://aim.gov.ie/how-to-apply/

**AIM Information for Providers** AIM Policy and Rules

AIM Policy and Rules
Information about the policy, the up to date AIM rules, how AIM was founded and a review of the Programme.

Press release Minister O’Gorman launches findings from review that recommends dedicated State Agency for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare

Press release

Minister O’Gorman launches findings from review that recommends dedicated State Agency for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has today published a report that signals major reform to the Operating Model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC).

The Independent Review of the Operating Model – undertaken by Indecon Economic Consultants – fulfils a commitment in First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families and in the Programme for Government.

Drawing on national and international evidence and underpinned by a programme of engagement with stakeholders, the Review:

• assessed the current operating model for ELC and SAC; and

• identified and appraised options for reform.

The functions performed by Pobal (Early Years), Better Start, City/County Childcare Committees (CCC) and National Voluntary Organisations were in scope of the Review as well as functions performed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) itself.

The Review identified a number of strengths of the existing operating model as well as some weaknesses that need to be addressed in the context of increased State investment in the sector and a significant reform agenda committed to by Government.

The Review concluded that a dedicated State Agency is the optimal operating model for ELC and SAC. This Agency would be responsible for functions currently undertaken by Pobal (Early Years), Better Start and the CCC, as well as the operational functions currently undertaken by the DCEDIY. This conclusion has been accepted by Government.

The Minister, with Government approval, has requested that his Department now commences a period of further detailed analysis, planning, engagement and consultation in respect of this important reform project.

Welcoming the report, Minister O’Gorman said:

“I am pleased that Government has accepted the findings from the Review of the Operating Model, which I am publishing today.

“The recommendation emerging from this Review – to establish a dedicated State Agency – will support the delivery of accessible, affordable and high-quality ELC and SAC services for children and their families and the significant reform agenda for ELC and SAC committed to by Government.

“A Project Team has been established in my Department tasked with undertaking further detailed analysis, planning, consultation and engagement with key stakeholders to assess how this recommendation can best be implemented.

“All stakeholders are strongly encouraged to work with my Department in this next and important phase to design an operating model for the benefit of the sector, the State and most importantly children and their families.”

The Minister thanked Indecon Economic Consultants and the members of the Review Oversight Group for their extensive work on this important project. He also noted his appreciation for all of those who participated through stakeholder consultation, and acknowledged the extent to which these contributions had shaped the review and the recommendations.

The full report is available here.

     

**AIM Resources for Providers**

**AIM Resources for Providers**
AIM supports are provided through the ECCE programme. The main supports are grouped into universal or targeted supports.