The Benefits of Pre School for Your Child

The aim of this booklet is to inform immigrant families living in Ireland about pre school and the benefits that can result for children and their parents when using these services.  The Benefits of Pre School for Your Child & Making the Move to Primary School (, 2,698 kbs)

Assessing Your Child's Needs Leaflet

An information leaflet Assessing Your Childs Needs Leaflet (, 452 kbs)  for parents who think their child may have a disability on how to access HSE assessments

Government Funded Childcare

The Parent's Guide to Government Funded Childcare - Childcare How Much (, 2,573 kbs)  - is a short introduction to the childcare available and eligiblity of children and families for government funded childcare schemes.

Guide to choosing a childcare service

Guide to choosing a childcare service

This revised guide for parents  9 steps to choosing a childcare service (adobe .pdf, 1,246 kbs) has been extended to include information for parents on

• the range of programmes available in childcare centres
• an explanation of the new ECCE (Early Childhood Care & Education) Scheme
• an explanation of Aistear, the new curriculum for early years services and Síolta, the new national framework for early years services
• how childcare services accommodate children with special needs

There is now a polish version of 9 steps to choosing a childcare service.  9 Steps Polish (9 Steps Polish, 1,973 kbs)

Parent & Toddler Groups

Parent & Toddler Groups are a local social group where young children, their parents/carers meet to play and socialise together usually one morning a week in venues accessible in a safe and secure environment.  Each parent or carer is responsible for their own children at all times. 

If you would like to meet other parents/carers why not go along to one of the Parent & Toddler Groups located around the county.  Groups generally meet from 10.30/11 for an hour or so.  New parents/carers/residents are always welcome.

Parent & Toddler Groups are located in Ardmore, Ballyduff Upper and Lower, Ballymacarbry, Bonmahon, Cappoquin, Clashmore, Dungarvan, Kilbrien, Tallow, Cul na Smear, Modeligo, Old Parish, Ring, Tramore, Stradbally, Portlaw, Lismore and Rathgormack.

Please contact WCCC on 058 48024 or email waterfordcochildcare@eircom.net  for a detailed  list of of the meeting places, days and times that the Parent & Toddler groups meet.

Waterford Autism Social & Sports Action

Waterford Autism Social & Sports Action (WASSA) is a group of parents of children on the Autism Spectrum that aim to benefit the community through partnership, integration and inclusion into mainstream social and sporting activities.

WASSA can be contacted by phone @ 086 6637055 and email contact@wassa.ie

Choosing a Childminder

This booklet produced by Waterford County Childcare Committee has relevant information to assist parents with choosing a childminder to care for their children.

Choosing a Childminder (word .doc, 716 kbs)

Entitlements for children with disabilities

The Citizens Information Board have recently published a book called Entitlements for children with disabilities.  It is available to download on www.citizensinformationboard.ie

Effective Parenting

Waterford County Childcare Committee (WCCC) is co/hosting a 10 week parenting course to commence on Wednesday, 15^th February from 7pm to 9pm in Le Cheile Children’s Centre, Dungarvan. This course is highly subsidised and will be free to parents in receipt of social welfare subject to verification.  Please register on the night.

The objective of this course is to explore in a safe, supportive, non-judgemental environment the tools and skills required in understanding children’s behaviours and the responses of adults to it.  A key outcome is to give participants a clearer insight into effective means of communication where all members of the family have a voice.

The course is facilitated by Ann Marie Coughlan, parent mentor.

 For further details contact Andrew at Waterford County Childcare Committee 058 48024.