The 2021 Childminding Development Grant (CMDG) is now open for applications will close on 16th July 2021.

What is a Childminder Development Grant (CMDG)?

The purpose of the Childminder Development Grant is to offer an incentive, in the form of a small capital grant, to Childminders to enhance and support their awareness of quality
childcare. The Childminder Development Grant is designed to assist Childminders, already providing a childminding service in their own homes, to enhance safety/quality in the service through the
purchase of small capital items, equipment, toys or minor adaptation costs. It may also give financial assistance to new or prospective Childminders with their initial set up costs.
All applicants must be committed to maintaining/improving the quality of their childminding service.

What funding is available under the Childminder Development Grant?

The maximum grant available to a Childminder, who fully meets the criteria of the scheme, is 90%
of total receipted eligible childcare expenditure, subject to a maximum grant of €1,000.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?
A Childminder who is:
a) Providing an existing childminding service carried out in the Childminder’s home
OR
b) Proposing a new childminding service to be carried out in the Childminder’s home
A Childminder who provides/proposes to provide childminding services (not including
Childminders own children) for at least:
a) 3 children on a part time basis
OR
b) 1 child on a full-time basis and 1 child on a part time basis
 Must provide evidence of appropriate insurance (must show valid insurance period)
 Must provide evidence of Tusla Children First E-Learning programme
 Required to operate as a Childminder for a minimum of two years following receipt of the grant.

What conditions are associated with the CMDG funding?
1. For the purpose of the CMDG, a successful applicant may be approved 1 grant only, subject to the maximum eligible expenditure referred to above.
2. Childminders may re-apply after 2 years, or after a shorter period if their first childminding development grant was for less than the maximum amount.
3. The application for CMDG funding should be completed on the standard application form and submitted by email to Meath County Childcare Committee. Childminders are required to get confirmation from their local CCC that they are known to the CCC using the template provided.
4. 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.
5. On the part of the Childminder, no purchases should be made until grant approval notification is received from Meath County Childcare Committee. Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Guidelines for CMDG 2021
6. The Childminder is required to submit itemised original receipts for eligible expenditure only for items that were approved in their application.
7. The Childminder is required to submit a copy of their insurance policy (must show valid insurance period).
8. The Childminder is required to submit a copy of their Tusla Children First E-Learning programme certificate.
9. All grant approvals will be subject to a letter of agreement signed by the Childminder with Meath County Childcare Committee.
10. If a successful applicant ceases to childmind within two years of receipt of grant aid, Meath County Childcare Committee may take the necessary steps to recoup the funding in accordance with the letter of agreement with the Childminder.

What can the grant be used for?
The grant can be used for the purchase of small capital items such as items to enhance safety/quality in the service; equipment; toys or minor adaptation costs to improve the quality of service provided. The final decision on eligible capital items will be at the discretion of Meath County Childcare Committee.

The following list (which is not exhaustive) gives examples of the different types of costs that are eligible and not eligible for the grant (please consult with your local Childcare Committee if you have queries in relation to eligibility). Eligible Equipment

Safety items – fire blanket, fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, socket covers, cupboard locks, first aid kit, stair gate, fireguard, car seat etc. Childcare equipment – changing table / mat, sterilizer, double/single buggy, high chair, cot, sturdy child sized table & chairs, booster seat, step up stools, potty, bedding, car seat, foot operated bin, storage etc.
Indoor/outdoor play equipment – swing, slide, climbing frame, sand box & water tray, ride on toys, building blocks, art & craft supplies, books, appropriate toys for various age groups, etc.
Minor adaptations – fencing, gates, painting, and flooring, developing a changing area /outdoor play space etc.

Please Note:
Ensure that all equipment purchased complies with The EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC to ensure that equipment meets safety requirements. Ensure that, for minor adaptions, that the person is a registered contractor.

What is not acceptable eligible equipment?
Trampolines, subscriptions, consumables, walkers, travel cot, electronic equipment including: games/consoles, IT equipment, batteries.

What is not acceptable eligible expenditure?
Delivery cost of items, second hand items, bags (packing at the shop), installation/worker labour costs, items that would be considered for home use rather than childcare use.

Please note:
When purchasing items in another currency you are required to attach a proof of conversion
rate. Ensure that you only submit receipts of purchases after the grant approval date and for items that have been approved.

Please click here to download an application form: CMDG Application Form and Guidelines 2021