Childminding Development Grant - Dun Laoghaire County Childcare Committee

Who is eligible to apply for the Childminding Development Grant? Please note that this Grant is NOW OPEN for 2023.

All existing or potential childminders. Where a Childminder is subject to the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and (Early Years Services) (Registrations of School Age) Regulations 2018, they must register their service with Tusla.

What supporting documentation is required with the Application Form?

Fully completed application form co-signed by applicant and local City/County Childcare Committee.
Evidence of appropriate childminding insurance. (Submit a copy of the schedule of insurance, which must be in date).
Copy of Tusla Children First E-Learning Programme certificate (Must be dated within last 3 years).
Current Tax Clearance Certificate in applicant’s name (See FAQ section on how to access Tax Clearance Certificate).

How Much Money Can Be Applied For?

A grant of up to €1,000 is available to an eligible childminder. All childminders can apply for the full Childminding Development Grant every year. However, if the CMDG national budget is oversubscribed, an applicant may receive a lesser amount than applied for (see section on Oversubscription Procedure). Successful applicants are paid 75% of the grant in advance. Following submission and approval of the CMDG Expenditure Report and receipts for the full amount granted, the remaining 25% is paid to the childminder.

What Can I Spend The Grant On?

The CMDG can be used to purchase items that enhance safety and quality in the childminding service. The final decision on eligible expenditure will be at the discretion of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Childcare Committee. The following list (which is not exhaustive) gives examples of the different types of costs that are eligible and ineligible for the grant. Please note that minor adaptations are ineligible expenditure for this grant. Ineligible expenditure also applies to a part payment for an item. Any item purchased must not cost more than the total awarded.

Eligible Expenditure

(This is not an exhaustive list)

Outdoor Play Equipment: Sand box; water tray; swing sets, climbing frames, slides, outdoor play equipment, etc.

Toys & Books: Developmentally and culturally appropriate toys and books e.g., ride on toys; building blocks; books; dress-up; teddys/dolls/figurines; music; imaginative play items; jigsaws, board games; arts & crafts materials and supplies, etc.

Childcare & Safety Equipment: Pram; buggy; car seat; cot; high chair; child size table & chairs; stairgate; fire blanket; fire extinguisher; smoke alarm; socket covers; cupboard locks; first aid kit; blind cord safety clips, etc.

Supporting Inclusion: Sensory toys & equipment e.g., black out tent; theraputty; chewlery; weighted blanket; trikes & ride on toys; fidget toys; move and sit cushions, sensory garden, etc.

STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Mathematics):

Science : Light box, microscope, télescope, etc.

Technology: Coding Kits; robot kit; robotic arms; snap electric circuits; cameras; hydraulics, etc.

Engineering: Toolbox; stem construction kit; Lego; Lego technic; magnets, etc.

Arts: Music & Literature; musical instruments; easels; painting tools and accessories; playdough & accessories; arts and crafts supplies; speakers; lights, etc.

Mathematics: Magnet tiles; IQ puzzle games; mathematic games; rubik’s cubes/tower; measuring equipment, etc.

Ineligible expenditure (This is not an exhaustive list)

· Minor adaptations or capital works such as outdoor surfacing, outdoor fencing, minor works to the house or outdoor area, painting, decorating, flooring etc.

· Trampolines; Bouncy Castles; Swimming Pool

· Subscriptions; memberships and registrations

· Baby walkers

· Travel cots and/or travel cot mattress

· Games consoles

· Second hand items

· Any items that would be considered for home use only and not childminding use e.g.

IT equipment; T.V etc.

· Insurance and/or other business expenses

· Training and Continuous Professional Development Courses

· Any item that costs more than the total grant awarded i.e., part-payment for an item.

Childminding Development Grant Application Form

The 2023 Grant is now open.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) announced the launch of the 2023 Childminder Development Grant (CMDG) on 14 June 2023. The Minister’s Press release can be viewed here.

The 2023 CMDG will be open for applications until Friday 14 July 2023.

CMDG Applicant Guidelines 2023

CMDG Application Form 2023