• Information for Parents [Updated 08/12/2022]

  This section provides helpful information and guidance for parents on children in settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  The HSE are reporting a large increase in viral and bacterial infections among children and young people this winter. As Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) services operate this winter, it is important for babies, toddlers and young children that child-centredness continues to be a basis for how we develop our response for children. When all the child’s most important adults—parents and practitioners—work together, going to childcare can be a positive experience for everyone

  Everyone will need to remain vigilant and continue to follow Public Health guidance.

  • • School, childcare and COVID-19 – HSE.ie
    • https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/lifestages/childcare/File,13444,en.pdf
    • HSE Viral and Bacterial Infections Memo: 20221207-HSE_Memo_CCFs.pdf
    • MyChild Web Poster [English] [Irish]
    • MyChild Print Poster [English] [Irish]

  Key messages

  When to keep your child at home from school or childcare

  Keep your child at home if they:

  • • • have symptoms of COVID-19
      • have got a positive COVID-19 test result
      • have diarrhoea and are aged 12 or younger

  When it’s OK to send your child to school or childcare

  It is usually OK to send your child to school or childcare if they:

  • • • only have nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose or a sneeze, but otherwise feel well
      • have tested negative and have not had any new symptoms for 48 hours
      • have not had diarrhoea for 48 hours

  The HSE are seeing a significant increase in the rates of RSV infection; a respiratory virus which causes Bronchiolitis in young children. Symptoms of bronchiolitis usually include a runny/blocked nose, mild fever and cough. In babies, however,it can cause more significant difficulties in breathing and feeding and young babies are more likely to need hospital care. More details on Bronchiolitis can be found here: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/bronchiolitis/

  Communicate openly, early and often

  Talk to your child and remind them that they should talk to grown-ups if something makes them happy/sad or they feel sick.

  • • • Supporting your child’s transition to primary school – [Download document here]
      • Teaching new skills to children – [Download document here]
      • Emotional Well-being, (Barnardos) – [Download here]

  Choosing Early Learning and School Age Childcare

  • • What to look for in an Early Years Service (Barnardos) – Download here
    • What to look for in a Service outside of School (School Age Childcare) (Barnardos) –  Download here
    • Choosing Early Learning and Childcare (DCEDIY)

City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs) are your first contact point for the provision of general information and support in relation to the operation of early learning and care and school-age childcare. You can find your local CCC contact details on www.myccc.ie

FAQs will continue to be updated at appropriate intervals

Visit the First 5  website for more information 

The new childminding webpage www.gov.ie/childminding is now live. On the website you can find Childminder Guidance during Covid 19.