The Quality Awareness Programme
for Childminders
As part of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2007-2010, Wicklow County
Childcare Committee is offering the Quality
Awareness Programme (QAP), training specifically
targeting Childminders and prospective Childminders. It has been designed for those Childminders who wish to apply for the Childminder
Development Grant to start a new service or to enhance the quality of their
existing service. Completion of the
Quality Awareness Programme makes you eligible to
apply for the Childminders’ Development Grant.
The main objectives are to:
Provide an
awareness of the issues involved in running a quality Childminding
service.
Enhance
the knowledge, skills and professional status of Childminders.
Develop
the Childminder's confidence and motivation.
Encourage
networking with Childminders in the locality.
This free 12 hour course is an introductory or refresher
course given over 6 evenings on what is involved in Childminding.
It is delivered by qualified tutors from Childminding
The course looks at:
1 Choosing
Childminding
This module
looks at the role and responsibilities of the Childminder,
relevant legislation, the development of good working relationships with both
children and parents, and how to identify and address difficulties.
2 Child
Development
This module
introduces all areas of children’s development, and the adult’s role in
supporting the child’s growth. It explores how behaviour
is learnt, factors which affect behaviour, and how
children learn to manage their own behaviour.
3. Hygiene,
Health and Safety
This module looks at how to provide a safe, healthy and hygienic indoor and
outdoor environment. It also explores emergency procedures, the care of sick
children, and first aid issues.
4. Well-being
of children
This module looks at a range of topics to do with the child’s well being:
nutrition, self-esteem equality and inclusion, and child protection.
5. The
Importance of Play
This module
examines the characteristics and value of play. It explores how children learn
and develop through play, and the adult’s role in it. It looks at play spaces,
play materials and activities.
6. Support Schemes for Childminders
This module
presents all the government schemes available to support Childminders:
Voluntary Notification, the Childminders’ Development
Grant, the Childminder’s Tax Relief and more