If you are a childminder or are considering becoming one we welcome you with open arms. One of the main purposes of Hiredhelp.ie is to provide access to the highest quality childcare in Ireland. The majority of parents in Ireland today seek childcare services for their children, either through agency or individual. As you can imagine, that's a lot of childminding jobs.
The importance of childminding to the Irish economy has led to the government introducing a tax exemption for all childminders who take care of 3 or fewer children and earning no more than E15,000, an ideal source of supplemental family income. So get online today and start your career as a childminder.
Is Childcare the right job for you?
Childminding draws on a range of personal qualities, values and skills, not everybody is suited to the job. Consider the following points before embarking into this line of work.
- Where are the children going to be minded? your home or their home is possible
- Childminding is a highly legislated sector, be aware of all regulations
- Criminal conviction? Sorry, childminding isn't for you.
- First-aid courses are held all over the country. Get the certificate, you might save a life.
- It's not about the money. To be successful you must have a love of children
- Transparency in every aspect of how you mind children is expected, parents need to be shown this.
- The holistic development of children needs to understood and fostered in the way you look after children
- A Childminder needs to be in good health before they could consider taking on the responsibility of childminding.
The level of service you want to provide should also be considered:
- How many children can you take care of? This is governed by both legislation and your personal abilities
- Will you provide transportation for clients' children?
- What will your hours of business be?
- Will you need to make modifications to your family home space in order to fulfill the health and safety needs of childminding?
Tax compliance and notification to your City or County Childcare Committee or local HSE should also be taken into account... this is a professional self employed business you're setting up.
For all the information you need to know about setting up as a childminder see www.childminding.ie
Childminding & Related Qualifications
Although not obligatory, a number of qualifications aimed at childminders are available. Holders of qualifications such as the ones listed below are likely to receive more work as a childminder!
- FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 in Childcare
- NNEB Nursery Nurse Diploma
- City & Guilds Childcare Certificate
- NCEA/NCVA Certificate in Childcare
- CACHE Diploma in Childcare
- B.A in Early Childhood Education
- Montessori Teaching Diplomas
- Child Psychology Degrees