Early Childhood Education Directory of Services in Border Village areas in County Donegal

Donegal County Childcare Committee Ltd 2012

DONEGAL COUNTY CHILDCARE COMMITTEE LTD. IS A LOCAL GOVERNEMENT-SUPPORTED AGENCY THAT WORKS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND ADVANCEMENT OF HIGH QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION IN COUNTY DONEGAL.

DCCC Vision: “To excel in the development and support of quality childcare in County Donegal to bring about positive outcomes for children and families”.

DCCC Mission Statement: “Proactively working in partnership and effecting positive change with our partners, providers and key stakeholders and implementing Childcare Funding Programmes on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in County Donegal”

page 1 Donegal County Childcare Committee Ltd...

VALUES the ‘whole child perspective’ including children having opportunities to learn and develop, to be healthy and protected from harm, to feel a sense of individual identity and self worth, to think and express their views and to have a ‘voice’.

RESPECTS early childhood as a distinct phase to nurture positive attitudes for lifelong learning, enjoyment and achievement through the provision of enriching, challenging and enjoyable play experiences.

ENDORSES national practice guidelines for quality early childhood care and education including Síolta: the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework

PROMOTES quality services for children and families and considers training and continuing professional development as fundamental to the provision of quality early childhood care and education practice and provision.

page 2 Contents

1. Sharing the Care of your Child

2. Choosing an appropriate type of service

3. Childcare Options in Co. Donegal

4. Choosing a suitable Programme/Curriculum

5. Protecting Children’s Well-being

6. Recognising a Quality Early Childhood Service

7. Funding Support for Parents

8. DCCC Resources and Publications

9. Useful Resources available from DCCC on request

10. Childcare Options in Border Village Areas

page 3 Sharing the Care of your Child

Entrusting a stranger with your child is a big step, so before you choose childcare you may wish to do some research. Choosing a suitable type of childcare service for your child can be a daunting experience for any parent. The type of childcare arrangement you choose will obviously depend upon your needs, the type of childcare you prefer, your child’s needs and the options available in your community.

This information will help you distinguish between the different types of childcare services available and assist you in making informed choices with regard to sharing the care of your child.

Why send your child to pre-school?

Early childhood is a time of tremendous opportunity for learning and development. In these early years children learn through relationships, communication, exploration and play. Although children will be exposed to these learning opportunities in the home, they can build on and extend them in a pre-school setting, interacting with their peers, trying out new ideas and overcoming challenges they may not otherwise face in the home environment.

page 4 Choosing an Appropriate Type of Service

There are a number of options when it comes to childcare. Services can either be Community or Privately run, Centre-based in a childcare facility, or Home-based in your or the Carers home. Find out what types of services are on offer in your area to help you choose childcare which best suits you and your child’s needs.

Centre-based Childcare Facilities

A centre-based facility is ideal for you if you want your child to mix and socialise with similar-aged children in an environment that is centred around early childhood care and education. Whether private or community run they must be registered and inspected by the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the *Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006.

Full Day Care/Crèche/Nursery A Crèche or Nursery provides care for children from six weeks to four or five years and beyond, often integrated with early education and other services such as School Age Childcare. Opening times are typically 7.30am- 6.30pm, 50 weeks per year. Places are offered on a part time or full time basis. The Créche/Nursery should offer a key person system whereby a child is assigned to a particular member of staff to ensure continuity of care between home and the childcare setting.

Pre-School/Playgroup Pre-Schools/Playgroups provide structured play and learning opportunities for children aged 3-5 years. Some early childhood settings follow a particular curriculum approach to early childhood education and care (e.g. High/Scope or Montessori*) using Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework to guide their work. The duration of sessions typically range from 3 to 3.5 hours per day, five days per week during term-time. Many services extend their service over the summer months by way of offering summer camp activities.

page 5 Naíonra/Naíolann A Naíonra is a playgroup for children who come together daily (usually for 3-3.5 hours) under the guidance and supervision of a Naíonra Leader or Stiúrthóir. It is run solely through the medium of Irish. Staff in the Naíonra structure the environment to ensure that all facets of the child’s holistic development are catered for, while giving the child the opportunity to acquire Irish naturally through the medium of play. Naíonra are usually attached to a Gaelscoil whereby, attendance at the Naíonra is a requirement for entry into the Gaelscoil. A Naíolann is a similar type of service, which is offered on a Full Day Care basis.

Outdoor Service An outdoor school is a pre-school or full day care service in which, the learning opportunities and activities take place outdoors. In an outdoor school children are encouraged to play and learn through exploring their natural environment. Like other pre-schools, outdoor school’s follow a curriculum guided by Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and adhere to all other quality and regulatory guidelines.

Drop-in Service Drop-in services offer care for children for no more than 2 hours continually while parents are availing of a service or attending an event. These are normally found in shopping centres, leisure centres or other establishments as part of customer service.

School Age Childcare A School Age Childcare (SAC) Service offers school-aged children a safe and stimulating recreational environment in which to play, learn and unwind outside school hours. Currently SAC services do not come under the Pre- school Services Regulations as these apply only to services for children aged up to 6 years. SAC services should however, follow best practice guidelines as outlined in ‘School Age Childcare in Ireland’, Childcare Directorate Department of Justice, Equality, and Law Reform, June 2005.

page 6 Parent and Toddler Groups Parent and Toddler Groups offer parents and carers the opportunity to meet locally with their children on an informal regular basis. Parent and Toddler Groups meet one or two mornings per week and parents contribute a small fee per day. Some Parent and Toddler sessions are facilitated by Play Workers to work alongside parents and children in order to share interaction techniques and model play opportunities, which can be replicated at home. The attending parent/carer is responsible for the care and supervision of the child at all times.

Home-based Childcare Services

A home-based service is ideal for you if you want your children to be cared for in a home environment where they can socialise with small groups of children from varying age groups. Home-based childcare can also provide structured educational play and learning.

Childminder A childminder is someone who offers childcare in the childminders own home. They provide a home from home environment, which can offer continuity from the newborn to after-school stages. Childminders can offer flexible hours to meet parent’s needs and provide wrap around care, i.e. drop-off and collection from Pre-school or school.

A Childminder who minds 4 or more pre-school children is obliged to notify and be inspected by the Health Service Executive (HSE), Pre-school Services under the Childcare (Pre-school Services) Regulations 2006, and should care for no more than 5 pre-school children (including their own).

A Childminder who minds 3 or less children can ‘Voluntary Notify’ Donegal County Childcare Committee. Parents should ask if a Childminder is either HSE notified or voluntary notified to Donegal County Childcare Committee.

page 7 Nanny/Au Pair A Nanny/Au Pair is employed by parents to provide childcare in the child’s own home and can look after children of any age. Nannies may be ‘live-in’, or come to your home on a daily basis, or as required. There is no legal requirement for a Nanny to be qualified in childcare but many have childcare training. Nannies do not have to notify the HSE Pre-School Services.

When choosing a Nanny it is important that you interview the person and check all references supplied before offering the post. When employing a Nanny, the parent should be aware of the relevant employment legislation and have Employer’s Liability Insurance cover.

Babysitters Word of mouth is usually the best way to find a babysitter, talk to other parents who have used babysitters. If you advertise, you should insist on references and check out these references. Babysitters need to be informed of the children’s routines especially where babies and young children are concerned.

Childcare Options in Co. Donegal

If you would like a list of childcare facilities and childminders in your area, you can access details on the DCCC website www.donegalchildcare.com or contact DCCC directly. Alternatively, contacts can also be provided by the HSE Pre-school Services Office, your Public Health Nurse and by word of mouth.

page 8 Choosing a suitable Programme/Curriculum

There are a variety of programmes or curriculum approaches that can be offered within childcare services, each with its own particular view of children, childhood and the early learning process. They all have much in common, for example, the activities and experiences provided for the children. Services however differ in the structure and framework provided for children’s learning and the emphasis placed upon certain aspects of learning. Some programmes are available part-time or full-time. As a parent, it is important that you understand and are comfortable with the type of approach to childcare adopted by different childcare settings. Take time to look at what is available in your area and work out what best suits your child.

Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework

What is Aistear? Aistear is a curriculum framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland. It provides information to help adults plan for and provide enjoyable and challenging learning experiences so that all children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners. Aistear describes the types of learning (dispositions, values and attitudes, skills, knowledge, and understanding) that are important for children in their early years, and offers ideas and suggestions for how this learning might be nurtured in children. The Framework also provides guidelines on supporting children’s learning through partnerships with parents, interactions, play, and assessment.

Aistear is based on 12 broad principles. There are many connections between these and the principles of Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education (2006). Each principle is presented using a short theoretical statement, which is then explained from the child’s perspective.

page 9 Aistear uses four themes that connect and overlap with each other to outline children’s learning and development.

The themes are . Well-being . Identity and Belonging . Communicating . Exploring and Thinking.

The principles come from national and international research on early childhood education. Much of the research used to develop Aistear is summarised in four background papers which can be downloaded at www.ncca.ie/earlylearning.

Other types of curriculum approaches offered include:

HIGH/SCOPE APPROACH The High/Scope approach is based on the theory that children are active learners; that they learn best by carrying out activities they choose and complete themselves. One of the most distinctive aspects of the High/Scope approach is the plan-do-review system. Children choose whatever activity they want to do, carry it out and then reflect on it with the group leader when finished. The adults’ main role is to then further extend the child’s learning rather than direct or teach the child. The High/Scope environment contains several distinctive areas such as construction, art, home, sand/ water and book areas.

MONTESSORI The Montessori method revolves around the use of specific learning materials within a highly structured environment. Children proceed through various learning experiences, which are graded from simple to complex. The Montessori teacher initially introduces the learning materials to the children. After this introduction, the children can explore them at their own pace and developmental level. The learning materials are grouped into 5 distinct areas: Practical life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language and Cultural.

page 10 STEINER The Steiner approach centres on the support of each child’s physical and spiritual development with play and outdoor activities featuring strongly. A distinctive feature of the Steiner approach is the use of natural materials for furniture, equipment and toys within the centre. Some of the activities carried out include baking, imaginative play, painting, polishing and gardening. Seasonal changes influence many of the activities carried out in a Steiner centre, including nature based and cultural festivals, such as celebrating the seasons or Christmas.

IRISH MEDIUM A pre-school service that operates through the medium of Irish is called a Naíonra. In addition to the general advantages of pre-school education, the Naíonra aims to introduce children to the Irish language or to further encourage their use of Irish. No pressure is placed on children to speak Irish. The idea is that the child will acquire Irish by listening, understanding, isolating words and structures and eventually produce words, phrases and sentences.

A Naíolann is a similar type of Irish language service, which is offered on a full-time basis

page 11 Protecting Children’s Well-being

The Childcare (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006, regulates all pre- school facilities except those delivered by a Childminder caring for 3 children or less. The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) has the overall responsibility for ensuring compliance for the Pre- school Regulations, while the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to inspect and regulate pre-school childcare facilities.

Regulation 5 of the Child Care (Pre-school Services) (no2) Regulations 2006 ALL childcare services are required to notify the HSE that they are providing a pre-school service.

Childminders who are caring for more than 3 pre-school children (exemptions apply) are required to notify the HSE of their service.

Department of Children and Youth Affairs encourages Childminders who are caring for 3 or less pre-school children to voluntary notify to their City/County Childcare Committee. ALL Pre-school services, including Childminders that are notified, receive an annual inspection from the HSE. The inspection is designed to ensure the service meets all statutory and regulatory requirements outlined in the pre-school regulations including the health, safety, welfare and development of children attending the service.

Regulation 5 What is Regulation 5? Regulation 5 of the Child Care (Pre-school Services) (no 2) Regulations 2006 refers to how a service ensures adequate preparation, provision and planning for the “Health, Welfare and Development of the Child”. It outlines how in order to do this, a childcare service must provide “appropriate opportunities, experiences, activities, interaction, materials and equipment, having regard to the age and stage of development of the child and the child’s cultural context within a day to day context, Regulation 5 is aimed at ensuring all aspects of a child’s daily experiences within a childcare service are planned and implemented to ensure the individual needs and interests of each child are best met.

page 12 Further details on the Childcare (Pre-school Services) Regulations 2006 or for a list of notified childcare facilities in Donegal, please contact the Donegal County Childcare Committee. A copy of “A Parent’s Guide to the Childcare (Pre-school Services) Regulations 2006 is also available from DCCC or the HSE.

‘The Colour of My Dreams’, Supporting Children’s Right to Well-Being was produced by DCCC in 2009 and is a valuable resource in assisting parents and Educators to better understand, support and provide for children’s right to well-being.

Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education

What is Síolta? Síolta was developed by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) on behalf of the Department of Education and Science. It is a quality assurance process which addresses all aspects of practice in early childhood care and education services. It is designed to support all those concerned with the provision of quality early education in Ireland to participate in a developmental journey towards the improvement and enrichment of young children’s early life experiences. The benefits of a set of overarching standards include assurance that there is consistency in the quality of provision for children between the ages of birth to 6 years, lending itself to an integrated approach to early childhood care and education.

The Síolta guidelines are adaptable for use in a wide range and variety of settings in which integrated care and education is provided to children from birth to six. These settings include relatively informal childminding arrangements, preschools, playgroups, crèches and nurseries all of which can be organised as private enterprises or as community-based initiatives and which may or may not be in receipt of State funding. They also include the infant classes of primary schools.

page 13 Recognising a Quality Childcare Service

Good quality early childhood care and education provides a safe, healthy environment and supports the physical, emotional, social, moral and intellectual development of children. When visiting different facilities, do not be afraid to ask questions, a good facility will be only too happy to share all their information.

General Information Whenever you first approach an early childcare service (any type) requiring information, there are a few key pieces of information that you should be given upfront. A well organised and quality service will have this information promptly to hand, mostly in writing or print, presented in a clear, easy to understand manner, and should leave you with very few questions to ask. Questions you could ask:

• Is the service notified/inspected to the HSE or a Voluntary Notified childminding service to Donegal County Childcare Committee? • The hours of operation and the fee charges/arrangements • The age range of children catered for and what is the maximum number catered for at any one time? • How will your child be accommodated if they have additional needs (e.g. learning, physical or behavioural)? • What facilities are provided for play, sleep, toilet/ nappy changing and meals? Is there a sample menu for foods provided? • The aims/philosophy of the service.

The Environment Both the indoor and outdoor environments should be spacious enough to allow children the freedom to move around yet small enough so that children are easily supervised. The atmosphere should be one of creativity and fun with an underpinning sense of organisation and cleanliness.

Things to look for: • A bright, clean, spacious and child friendly environment • Safe and well maintained equipment • An awareness and understanding of child safety, particularly on entering and exiting the premisesSuitable outdoor play area and equipment

page 14 • A variety of resources e.g. home corner, sand and water play paired with puzzles, books and blocks • Appropriate sleeping and rest facilities • Evidence of children’s creative abilities e.g. art work displayed at children’s eye level. • Provision for outdoor play.

Important questions: • How often is equipment checked for damages? • What is the routine for sleep and rest times? • Does the service have a policy on T.V/DVD usage? • What safety checks are carried out and when? • What is the policy on visitors coming in to the setting?

Relationships and Interactions Staff in a childcare setting should encourage positive interactions between children. They should actively engage in interactions with children individually and in groups and support in the development of relationships between both children and staff and children together.

Things to look for: • A warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere • Children looking comfortable and appearing relaxed • Positive interaction between staff and children • Opportunities for children to play in pairs, groups or individually.

Important questions • Does the service have a key person system in place? • Do siblings and children of different age groups mix during the day? • Does the service have a promoting positive behaviour policy and how are instances of negative interactions dealt with?

page 15 The Programme/Curriculum The services programme/curriculum adopted by the early childhood service should cater for all areas of children’s development, be well documented and the documents available and readily in use.

Things to look for: • A broad range of planned activities that children can participate in regularly both indoor and outdoor • Evidence of the child’s interests featuring in planned activities • Evidence of different activities children have participated in • Evidence of both child led and adult chosen activities • Evidence of progression in learning

Important questions: • How does the curriculum/programme support your aims for your child’s learning and development? • Does the chosen curriculum offer opportunities for parents to become involved in children’s learning? • Are children provided with opportunities to learn about their own and other cultures? • What is the general daily routine? • Does the timetable appear to achieve a good balance between quiet activities (e.g. painting, jigsaws, rest time) and more energetic ones (e.g. dancing, outdoor play, free play); between child led activities (e.g. free play) and adult chosen ones (e.g. story time)? • Do children attending all day (including babies) get a break away from their main room? • Are children taught practical skills (e.g. handwashing, personal hygiene, dressing etc)?

Parental Involvement The service should have a written policy on parental involvement in the setting and the sharing of information with parents. Parents should also be provided with a parent’s handbook containing all the services policies and procedures, mission statement, opening hours, curriculum/programme and relevant fees. A viewing of the entire facility should be provided, prior to you enrolling your child.

page 16 Things to look for: • What arrangements are in place to facilitate regular information sharing between parents and the child’s key person? • How can parents become involved in the activities within the setting? • Does the service have a mechanism for reporting the child’s progress to parents? • Are parents provided with daily feedback on their child’s progress and general well-being?

Health and Safety Services should implement a full range of policies and procedures to promote the health and welfare of both children and adults in the setting.

Things to look for: • Up to date policies and procedures relating to all areas of risk within the setting • Fire safety equipment (e.g. smoke alarms, fire extinguishers) and evidence of regular fire drills • An accident and incident recording book • Well maintained equipment and premises • Clearly marked emergency exists.

Important questions: • Does the service have adequate insurance including additional cover for collecting/transporting children in cars or for outings? • What is the policy on reporting accidents and illness to parents? • Are there any other persons, excluding childcare staff, who will have access to the children at any time? • Have all staff been vetted by an Garda Síochána?

Staff Training and Qualifications All staff in a childcare setting are required to have skills, knowledge and attitudes appropriate to their roles and responsibilities within the setting.

Things to look for: • Evidence of staff qualifications/training • A set of key principles/ guidelines staff are subscribing to • A policy on continuous professional development.

page 17 Important Questions: • Are all staff qualified at FETAC Level 5 as a minimum? • Are all staff working in supervisory positions qualified at FETAC Level 6 or equivalent and/or have relevant experience? • Are staff encouraged to engage in professional development and what opportunities are offered to them? • For Childminders Only: Ask to see at least two references and check both of these.

* Parents can refer to the Child Care Regulations for details of the information that they are entitled to be given for services that are notified and inspected by the HSE.

page 18 Policies and Procedures Early childhood services are obliged by law to implement a range of up to date policies and procedures, which should be reviewed on a regular basis.

Things to look for:

• Administration: Admissions, Fees and payment, Collection of Children, Record Keeping, Complaints. • Personnel: Recruitment, Training, Confidentially, Student Placement. • Health and Safety: Child Protection, First Aid, Immunisation, Hygiene, Accident Prevention, Fire Safety, Outings, Nappy Changing, Toileting, Head Lice, Child and Staff Illness, Administration of Medication, Cleaning and Checking Equipment and play items. • Childcare and Education: Curriculum, Assessment for Learning, Equal Opportunities, Positive Behaviour, Language, Bullying. • Partnership with Parents: Parental Involvement, Settling In, Communicating with Parents.

Important questions: • How often are the Policies and Procedures reviewed?

page 19 Funding Support for Parents

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) work to assist parents to access affordable, quality early childhood care and education through a series of funding schemes.

The free pre-school year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme The ECCE scheme provides a free childcare place in a pre-school setting to all children in the year before they start primary school. A child must be aged between 3yrs 2months and 4yrs 7months on the 1st September to access the scheme.

Types of service provision:

Pre-School Service 3hrs per day 5 days a week 38 weeks

Full Day Care Service *2hrs 15mins per day 5 days per week 50 weeks

*In the case of the full day care service, a child will receive 2hrs 15 mins free, the parent then pays the reminder of the fee for additional hours

All services participating on the scheme are required to provide an appropriate programme of activities in early childhood care and education which will be free to parents. However a service may charge parents for additional services provided that:

a. these are provided on an optional basis b. appropriate programme based activities are provided to children whose parents have decided not to avail of the optional extra

page 20 Examples of optional additional extras: • Extra Hours • Extra Curricular Activities • Outings • Birthday Parties • Snacks • Fun Days • Seasonal Days/Parties

Each year services complete a fee policy in which additional charges are approved, a service cannot charge for optional extras that are not included in their ECCE fee policy. Services should make their fee policy available to parents on enrolment.

Examples of extras a service cannot charge for: • Non-refundable enrolment fees • Insurance • Art and craft materials • Different curricula e.g. Montessori, Steiner etc • School trips which do not incur a cost

Parents wishing to avail of a free pre-school place for their child must contact their chosen childcare service directly. It is recommended that you do this as early as possible to ensure a place. In order to avail of the free pre-school place parents are required to provide a copy of their child’s birth certificate and proof of their PPS Number to verify the child’s age

The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) Scheme The CCS scheme is a support scheme designed to enable community childcare services to provide childcare at a reduced rate to qualifying parents. Services participating on the CCS Scheme claim a subsidy from the OMCYA for each qualifying parent thus enabling them to provide the service to these parents at a reduced rate. Parents qualifying for the scheme will be required to provide the service with their PPS number and proof of their entitlement.

page 21 Childcare Employment and Training Support (CETS) Scheme The CETS scheme is a funding scheme which provides free childcare to parents on VEC or FAS training courses.

Parents wishing to avail of a free childcare place under the CETS scheme must firstly contact their training provider who will confirm if they are entitled to a place. List of participating services are available from FAS/ VEC and DCCC. Parents must then contact the service directly to reserve their child’s place.

Depending on the duration of the course a parent may be entitled to a free: Full day place (10 hours) Half day place (5 1/2 hrs) Afterschool place (3hrs)

Parents will only be charged for any additional service they require outside of their CETS allocation for example, additional hours.

page 22 DCCC Resources and Publications

At A Glance, Donegal County Childcare Committee Ltd Annual Report 2009, Donegal County Childcare Committee Ltd Childminding: A Guide for Parents First Steps, A Guide to Childminding Next Steps, Good Practice Guidelines for Professional Childminders Tax Information for Childminders The Colour of my Dreams, Supporting Children’s right to Well-Being The Colour of my Dreams, Supporting Children’s right to Well-Being; Conference Summary and Evaluation Report

Other resources available when completed DCCC Continuous Professional Development training:

Building Pictures of Learning, Meaningful Assessment in Early Childhood, DCCC Creating Lifelong Readers, Nurturing Children’s language and Literacy through Books, DCCC & CSC Donegal Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, NCCA Simon and Friends, NRSA

DCCC Website DCCC website provides a wide range of childcare related information pertaining parents, educators and students. The various sections within the website contain a vast amount of information relating to funding for the sector, promoting quality practice; childcare related training and useful publications and resources. From the homepage, you can also subscribe to DCCC text alerts and E-newsletter.

DCCC Website: www.donegalchildcare.com DCCC Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonegalChildcare

page 23 DCCC Resource Library DCCC Resource Library is open to all Parents, Childcare Providers, Educators, Students, Tutors and other Childcare Stakeholders between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday - Friday (closed from 1-2pm). The library contains a wide range of information and resources on early childhood care and education.

page 24 Childcare Options in the Border Village Area

Childminders A Childminder is someone who offers childcare in the childminders own home. They provide a home from home environment, which can offer continuity from the newborn to after-school stages. Childminders can offer flexible hours to meet parent’s needs and provide wrap around care, i.e. drop off and collection from Pre-school or school.

A Childminder who minds 4 or more pre-school children is obliged to notify and be inspected by the Health Service Executive (HSE), Pre-school Services under the Childcare (Pre-school Services) Regulations 2006, and should care for no more than 5 pre-school children (including their own).

A Childminder who minds 3 or less children can ‘Voluntary Notify’ to their City/County Childcare Committee. Parents should ask if a Childminder is either HSE notified or voluntary notified to Donegal County Childcare Committee.

Angelina Doherty Tromaty 086 2564654 [email protected] Quigleys Point Co. Donegal Ethel Grant Ardmore (074) 93 84565 [email protected] Muff 087 6224012 Co. Donegal Graninne Gallagher Carnamoyle (074) 93 84529 [email protected] Muff 086 3096473 Co. Donegal Sinead Mc Colgan Aught (074) 93 83691 [email protected] Ture 086 3734670 Muff Co. Donegal Tracey Bradley Carrickanee (074) 93 60519 [email protected] Inch Island 086 0811000 Co. Donegal

page 25 Parent and Toddler Groups

Parent and Toddler Groups offer parents and carers the opportunity to meet locally with their children on an informal regular basis. Parent and Toddler Groups meet one or two mornings per week and parents contribute a small fee per day. Some Parent and Toddler sessions are facilitated by Play Workers to work alongside parents and children in order to share interaction techniques and model play opportunities, which can be replicated at home. The attending parent/carer is responsible for the care and supervision of the child at all times.

page 26 Crossroads & Killgordon & Killgordon Crossroads Enterprise Centre Killygordon Co. Donegal Killea Community Hall Altaghaderry Killea Carrigans Co. Donegal ABC Childcare Finn Valley Enterprise Park Road Letterkenny Lifford Co. Donegal Centre Manor Resource Manorcunningham Co. Donegal CPI Centre Knockrawer Castlefinn Co. Donegal St. Mary’s Hall Muff Co. Donegal Columbian Hall Main Street Newtowncunningham Co. Donegal Thurs: - 11.00 1.00pm please ring further for details Wed; - 10.30am 12.30pm Wed; 10.30am- 12.30pm Tues: - 11.00am 12.30pm Tues & Thur - 10.00am 12.00 Wed. 10.15am- 12.30 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] muffresourcecentre@eircom. net [email protected] [email protected] 087 2183736 087 42860 91 (074) 57354 91 (074) 086 0771633 43976 91 (074) 3289170 087 93 84799 (074) 086 3939385 086 3722520 086 0594766 Claire McGlinchey Maggie Friel Donna Hamlyn Corina Catterson Mandy Rudden Catherine Murray Lisa Mc Daid Killea Parent & Killea Parent Toddler Group & Parent Lifford Toddler Group Manorcunningham & Toddler Parent Group Messy Hands Baby and Toddler Group & Muff Parent Toddler Group Crossroads & Crossroads & Parent Killygordon Toddler Group

page 27 Toddler Group Carrigans Parent & Johnston & St. & Toddler Group Little Explorers Parent Group Parent & Toddler Rogues & Rascals Toddler Group Raphoe Parent & & Toddler Group Quigleys Point Parent & Toddler Group Tullyhommon Parent Pettigo & Clawson Deborah Kinney Sheena Mc Miriam Purves McKnight Maggie Laurie McGee Doyle Martina (074) 91 48551 087 9354016 (074) 91 73918 (074) 93 60408 087 6473723 (074) 91 45353 086 1572437 (074) 93 83653 (071) 98 61924 [email protected] www.springboardraphoe.com hotmail.co.uk sheena.springboardraph@ [email protected] [email protected] t [email protected] [email protected] noon - 12.00 10.00am Wed - 12.30pm 11amTues: 12.00pm 10.00am- Wed. 12.30pm 10.30am- Wed; noon – 12.00 Thurs 10.30 12.00 noon 10.00am – thurs Co. Donegal Co. Johnston St. Church Lane The Old Playgroup Donegal Co. Raphoe Castlegrove Springboard Project Family Support Donegal Co. Burnfoot Tooban Tooban Presbyterian Church Hall Donegal Co. Raphoe Meeting House Street Presbyterian Church Hall Donegal Co. Quigleys Point Cabry Quigleys Point Community Centre Donegal Co. Pettigo Main Street The Forge Family Resource Centre

page 28 Birdstown Montessori Pre-School Address of Service: Drumacross, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal

Telephone: (074) 93 83873 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Full Day Care, Pre-School & School Aged Childcare Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 18 Service Overview: Providing a quality play school experience since 2004, Birdstown Montessori can be found in a picturesque rural setting only minutes from Derry and the Donegal border villages of Bridgend, Burnfoot and Muff. Children can be fee paying or avail of the free ECCE scheme and are welcome to attend for any combination of days between Mon - Friday. The pre- school operates from 9.30 am - 12.30pm and tends to follow the calendar of the local primary schools. Children attending Birdstown Montessori have gone on to attend national schools in Newtowncunningham, Bridgend, Tooban, Buncrana, Moville, Whitecastle, Muff and Culmore. The owners pride themselves on receiving a majority of applications through recommendations, with families prepared to travel considerable distance so their child/ ren can enjoy the pre- school experience that suits them best.

Schemes ECCE CETS CCS �

page 29 New Beginnings Pre-School

Address of Service: Elaghberg Burnfoot Co. Donegal

Telephone: (074) 93 68389 E-mail: [email protected]

Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 20

Service Overview: New Beginnings Pre- school is a private service located in a rural area at the border area of Eleaghbeg, Burnfoot, in Donegal. It is a newly opened early years service that provides 20 pre-school places, for children aged from three years and two months old. The service has two full-time staff members who have achieved a qualification early years. The early years service provides a welcoming and stimulating environment that supports and enhances children’s learning and development. It has a natural outside area where children can explore their local surroundings.

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page 30 New Beginnings Pre-School Nursery Lane Playgroup & Afterschool

Address of Service: Elaghberg Address of Service: Tievebane, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal Burnfoot Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 93 60544 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: (074) 93 68389 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Full Day Care, Pre-School & School Aged Childcare Community / Private: Private Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Weeks Opened: 49 Community / Private: Private Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 45 Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 20 Service Overview: Nursery Lane Playgroup and Afterschool strive to provide quality across all aspects of practice in early childhood care and Service Overview: New Beginnings Pre- school is a private education and offer a positive experience service located in a rural area at the for all who attend the service. This is border area of Eleaghbeg, Burnfoot, done by implementing the Siolta Quality in Donegal. It is a newly opened Framework and following the Early early years service that provides 20 Childhood Curriculum Framework Aistear. pre-school places, for children aged from three years and two months The service is open from 8.15am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and operate 48 old. The service has two full-time weeks in the year; closed for two weeks staff members who have achieved a at Christmas and two weeks in August. qualification early years. The early Nursery Lane Playgroup & Afterschool years service provides a welcoming provide a preschool service; morning and and stimulating environment that afternoon sessions are available, as well supports and enhances children’s as half day-care and all day-care. Also learning and development. It has a provided are a Breakfast and afterschool natural outside area where children club plus in July and August a summer can explore their local surroundings. club which offers a wide range of fun activities.

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page 31 Stepping Stones Playgroup

Address of Service: St. Johnston/Carrigans Family Resource Centre Chapel Road St. Johnston Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 91 45535 E-mail: Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 45 Service Overview: Stepping Stones is community playgroup located in the resource centre in St. Johnston. The playgroup endorses the national practice guidelines for quality early childhood care and education including Aistear and Siolta. All staff are highly qualified and committed to continuing professional development to deliver positive outcomes for children and families. Parents are recognised as the primary educators of the child and are welcomed to work in partnership with the playgroup.

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page 32 Stepping Stones Playgroup Castlefinn Community Childcare Services

Address of Service: CPI Complex Address of Service: St. Johnston/Carrigans Knockrawer Family Resource Centre Castlefinn Chapel Road Co. Donegal St. Johnston Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 91 43731 Telephone: (074) 91 45535 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Type of Service: Full Day Care & Pre-School Community / Private: Private Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 38 Weeks Opened: 51 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 45 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 33 Full Day Care, 20 Pre-School Service Overview: Stepping Stones is community playgroup located in the resource Service Overview: Castlefinn Community Childcare Ltd centre in St. Johnston. The caters for full time and part time day playgroup endorses the national care for children aged 3 months to 5 practice guidelines for quality years and has two pre-school sessions early childhood care and education every morning. including Aistear and Siolta. All staff are highly qualified All staff are childcare qualified and and committed to continuing are trained in first aid/paediatric first professional development to deliver aid and child protection. A play based positive outcomes for children and curriculum is followed under the Siolta families. Parents are recognised and Aistear National Quality Framework as the primary educators of the for Early Childhood Education with child and are welcomed to work in activities provided including baking/ partnership with the playgroup. cookery, music, art, outdoor play, computers, dress up and imaginative play, play dough, painting, messy play, junk art, water, sand and books.

page 33 Service Overview A healthy eating/nutrition policy and a dental continued: policy is in place and children are provided with healthy nutritious food prepared by the cook who uses only the freshest and healthiest ingredients, promoting a healthy balanced and nutritious diet in accordance with dietician’s guidelines.

The spacious, secure, outdoor play area has a large climbing frame, with soft surfaced play area and grass area. More recently the service has acquired an allotment/polytunnel in the CPI gardens for the children to plant and grow their own vegetables and flower to enhance their knowledge of nature and the great outdoors all year round.

Various music, danced and percussion sessions are incorporated into the monthly plans, such as monkeynastix, tiny tunes and drum/ percussions. The childcare service receives the support from local businesses and close proximity to the CPI hall, local health centre and pharmacy are all added bonuses.

There is good communication with the local primary school in aiding transition of pre-school children and a continued close communication with HSE in maintaining the standards that have been achieved with the service.

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page 34 Rosie & Jim’s

Address of Service: Sessiagh Alison Main Street Castlefinn Co. Donegal Telephone: 087 1275933 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 20 per session Service Overview: Rosie & Jim’s playschool is a small private childcare setting established in 2010 and employs two full time staff. The facility runs two pre-school sessions per day; 9a.m.-12 noon & 12.30p.m.-3.30p.m which can cater for 20 children per session from the age of 2 yrs 10 months- school age. Rosie and Jim’s playschool aims to provide a safe, friendly, stimulating and nurturing environment. The children’s well being is promoted and enhanced through play experiences that follow the learning goals of the Aistear curriculum and the service is following the standards of the Siolta quality framework.

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page 35 Crossroads & Killygordon Community Playgroup Ltd

Address of Service: Dromore Killygordon Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 91 49616 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 40 Service Overview: Crossroads & Killygordon Community Playgroup is a purpose built playgroup which was opened in October 2007 in the village of Killygordon. The Playgroup has 2 playrooms which cater for up to 20 preschool children in each room while also offering a beautiful outdoor area which is used in all weather so children get opportunity to play and explore both indoors and outdoors. Located opposite to the playgroup is a fully equipped play park which is available for use by the playgroup. Staff are all qualified in childcare and undertake and update training on a regular basis. Crossroads and Killygordon Community Playgroup have completed the Siolta Quality Framework Pilot Scheme in 2012 and are at present 1 of 12 groups in Donegal chosen to partake in the Professional Pedagogy Project being facilitated by Donegal County Childcare. The service is always looking to update and improve the high quality of care we offer in Crossroads and Killygordon Community Playgroup.

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page 36 Hobbit Hollow Pre-School

Address of Service: Avaltygort Crossroads Killygordon Co. Donegal

Telephone: 087 6726094 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 20 Service Overview: Hobbit Hollow is a small Pre-School in the heart of the Finn Valley countryside. It opened in September 2010 and it has a full-time manager and one part-time childcare assistant. It opens five mornings a week from 9.30- 12.30 for children age 3-5 years. The service offers a wide and varied curriculum taking into account the uniqueness of each child.

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page 37 ABC Childcare Centre

Address of Service: Finn Valley Enterprise Park Letterkenny Road Lifford Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 91 42860 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Pre-School & School Aged Childcare Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 48 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 40

Service Overview: The ABC childcare centre is a state of the art purpose built childcare facility that was established in Lifford in 2008. There are 2 full- time and 5 part-time staff and all staff are fully trained and qualified to ensure that a high quality service is provided. The ABC childcare centre staffs encourage children to learn through direct experiences in a safe, stimulating and caring environment, that provides a good balance between a flexible and structured routine.

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page 38 Busy Bee Playschool

Address of Service: Townparks Lifford Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 91 41176 E-mail: [email protected]

Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 21 Service Overview: The Busy Bee Playschool was established in 1995 and there are currently 25 children in attendance. There are 3 full time staff and the service caters for children from the age of 2yrs. 9mts to National school age.Busy Bee Playschool offers the free preschool year (ECCE scheme) to children the year before they start National School. Busy Bee playschool endeavours to support the children’s learning and development through Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum framework which promotes a play based approach. The Playschool is bright, stimulating and inviting for young children and we have a secure outdoor play area.

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page 39 Manorcunningham Community Childcare Centre Ltd

Address of Service: Ray Manorcunningham Co. Donegal

Telephone: (074) 91 57611 E-mail: [email protected]

Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School & School Aged Childcare Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 30

Service Overview: Manorcunningham Community Childcare Centre is a community based service employing 7 early childhood educators, who are all qualified in the area of early childhood care and education. The centre values childhood as a significant and unique time in life and through the Aistear curriculum, staff nurture, foster and support the holistic development of each child.

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page 40 Little Toby’s Playschool

Address of Service: Glenkeady House Ardmore Muff Co. Donegal

Telephone: 074 93 84237 E-mail: [email protected]

Type of Service: Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 17 per session

Service Overview: Little Toby’s playschool is a private service that opened in September 2000, and has become a very popular asset to the community. A high scope setting, Little Toby’s caters for children from two years and ten months up until school age. A family based business Little Toby’s provides valuable employment in the community, and continually strives to develop and improve the quality of care to the children attending the setting.

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page 41 Newtowncunningham Community Playgroup Limited

Address of Service: Newtowncunningham Business Park Monfad Road Newtoncunningham Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 91 08799 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 40

Service Overview: Newtowncunningham Community Pre- school was established by parents of the local community. It is located in the centre of the village and currently provides 40 pre-school places in two newly refurbished pre-school rooms. The service has five full- time staff members of which four have achieved early year’s qualifications including a early years degree. The service is committed to providing a quality early years service and has recently participated in the National Quality Framework, Síolta, Quality Accreditation Programme and is currently awaiting accreditation. The service is dedicated to providing a high quality affordable service to the local community.

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page 42 Little Smarties Playgroup & Afterschool Club

Address of Service: Station Street Pettigo Co. Donegal Telephone: (071) 98 61993 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Pre-School & School Aged Childcare Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 48 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 20

Service Overview: Little Smarties Playgroup is based in a small village of Pettigo, on the border of Donegal, and Fermanagh. The service operates a pre-school service from 9.30am to 12.30pm and an afterschool service from 2.00pm to 5.00pm, 5 days per week. Little Smarties offer a wide variety of play activities and experiences for children aged 2 years 9 months to 12 years guided by the aims and goals of Aistear the early childhood curriculum framework. The service strives to ensure quality practice through promoting children’s overall learning, development and wellbeing. All staff are qualified, experienced and vetted in order to meet the needs of every child and make each day a positive experience. Schemes ECCE CETS CCS �

page 43 Children’s Point Childcare Centre Ltd

Address of Service: Foyleside Tromaty Quigleys Point Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 93 83661 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 30

Service Overview: Children’s Point Community Pre-school works in partnership with parents to provide a high quality affordable service that is accessible to all pre-school children in the local area. The service is located within foyleside park in the outskirts of village. The service has three full –time staff members who are dedicated to providing a environment that supports and develops each child’s early learning experience.

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page 44 Quigleys Point Community Playgroup

Address of Service: Quigleys Point Community Centre Cabry Quigleys Point Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 93 83653 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 30

Service Overview: Quigleys’ Point Community pre-school runs Monday-Friday 9.15-12.15. The service has experienced well qualified staff that provides children with an environment which is safe, challenging and stimulating and incorporates a holistic approach to learning. Along with a well equipped indoor and outdoor play area the service also has a sports hall for music/ movement activities and all types of physical play. The pre-school provides a broad and balanced nationally recognised curriculum to suit every child’s age and stage of development. The pre-school is currently 1 of 12 early childhood services chosen in Donegal to participate in the NEYAI Professional Pedagogy Project, delivered by Donegal County Childcare Committee.

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page 45 Little Acorns Playgroup

Address of Service: Congregational Hall Derry Road Raphoe Co. Donegal Telephone: 087 6870680 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 16

Service Overview: Little Acorns Playgroup Raphoe, is a small privately owned Playgroup that caters for around 14 children a day. The service offers a warm, nurturing environment that allows each child to learn and develop at their own individual pace.

The Playgroup operates in a modern purpose built facility that was built attached to Raphoe Congregational Church Hall.

As such is has the added benefit of having daily access to the large indoor hall and a large outdoor play area.

From September 2012 the playgroup will be open 5 mornings a week and will offer free playgroup Places to preschoolers.

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page 46 Raphoe Community Playgroup

Address of Service: Castle Road Lifford Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 91 44999 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Community Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 25 per session

Service Overview: Raphoe Community Playgroup is situated right in the heart of Raphoe on Castle Road, with picturesque views of the landscape & castle. The playgroup was set up in 1982 and has been going from strength to strength ever since. In January 2001, the playgroup opened the doors of its new purpose-built premises and in 2006, was awarded the Border Counties Quality Award. The playgroup is in regular contact with both national schools in the community and it has been demonstrated that the playgroup has made a very positive impact on the children’s development prior to school.

The playgroup strives to meet the needs of the community & enjoys being able to contribute to children’s learning and growth in their formative years.

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page 47 Tina’s Tots Preschool

Address of Service: Tullyally Redcastle Co. Donegal Telephone: (074) 93 83366 E-mail: [email protected] Type of Service: Sessional Pre-School Community / Private: Private Weeks Opened: 38 Maximum No. Of HSE Places: 20 Service Overview: Tina’s Tots is a private preschool established in 2011 and located in Redcastle overlooking Lough Foyle. The pre-school is open five mornings a week from 9.15am to 12.15pm. The service follows a play-based curriculum linking with the frameworks of Aistear and Siolta. Children can engage in a wide range of activities which include messy play, sand, water, painting, play dough, creative play, construction play, dramatic play, large and small group activities and also in our outdoor play area we have ride ons, slide, play house, planting and growing and a large green field play area where children can engage in a wider range of physical activities.

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page 48

This booklet is supported by the Border Villages Social Integration Project funded by PEACE III and managed by Donegal County Council for the Special EU Programmes Body.

It is a programme of interventions to promote greater social integration and facilitate a more cohesive society between the new residents and the local communities in the border region of County Donegal.

This directory of Early Childhood Education Services will provide information for the border community and in particular new residents to make a choice about their child’s first steps on the education ladder and provide choice locally to create greater social integration.

We hope you find the publication useful.

Donegal County Childcare Committee: St Columbas Terrace, High Road, Lettterkenny, Co. Donegal. Tel. (074) 91 23442. E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.donegalchildcare.com • Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonegalChildcare

This project is supported by the PEACE III Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Donegal County Council