We have been all living in the virtual world for a long time and would love to give you the opportunity to bring your children to a story-telling activity in our local library in Portlaoise. Whether or not you are childminding or would like to receive information you are more than welcome to come and join. This is a great opportunity to meet other childminders and chat all things childminding while the children enjoy the fun of the storytelling with experienced story tellers. This network event will take place on Thursday the 17th of February at 10:30am in Portlaoise Library. Booking is essential, please email m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie to book you place. Places are limited, when booking please advise if you will be attending with children or not and how many children will be in your care.

Laois CCC are providing an online workshop on supporting communicating AIM with parents on Wednesday 23rd of February (3:00-4.00pm or 7:00-8:00pm) online via Microsoft Teams.  If you, or any of your staff would like to book a place on this information session please email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie with the participants email address (so a link can be sent directly to the participant) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 8681970 for more information.

Laois CCC are providing an online workshop on supporting communicating AIM with parents on Wednesday 23rd of February (3:00-4.00pm or 7:00-8:00pm) online via Microsoft Teams.  If you, or any of your staff would like to book a place on this information session please email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie with the participants email address (so a link can be sent directly to the participant) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 8681970 for more information.

Does your child need support to access pre-school? Drop in to Portlaoise Library on Friday 4th March to find out more information on the supports available under the AIM model and procedure in making an application. Please see the details below

Laois County Childcare Committee, in conjunction with members of the AIM team will be hosting an on-line information session for service providers on the AIM programme. Date: Tuesday 22 March 2022 Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm or 7:00 – 8:00pm online via Microsoft Teams If you, or any of your staff would like to book a place on this information session please email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie with the participant’s email address (so the link can be sent directly to the participant) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81907 for more information.

Laois County Childcare Committee, in conjunction with members of the AIM team will be hosting an on-line information session for service providers on the AIM programme. Date: Tuesday 22 March 2022 Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm or 7:00 – 8:00pm online via Microsoft Teams If you, or any of your staff would like to book a place on this information session please email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie with the participant’s email address (so the link can be sent directly to the participant) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81907 for more information.

Laois County Childcare Committee, in conjunction with members of the AIM team will be hosting an on-line information session for parents on the AIM programme. Date: Tuesday 29th March 2022 Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm online via Microsoft Teams If you would like to book a place on this information session please email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie with the participant’s email address (so the link can be sent directly to the participant) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81907 for more information.

Starting with a new Childminder is a major life change for young children, their families and for you as a Childminder. Settling in with a new Childminder always needs careful consideration, but the last 2 years of Covid restrictions have impacted the process of separation from parents more than ever. In this discussion with Childminders, Joanna will help us to understand what is going on for the child and how we can help manage the period of adjustment for everyone’s benefit. To book your free place: Email: m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie  or Tel: 057 8661029 / 8681970 Joanna Fortune is an accredited psychotherapist and attachment specialist. She is the author of the best-selling 15-Minute Parenting series of books (0-7 years; 8-12 years and the Teenage years.  She is the host of the 15-Minute parenting podcast and founded the Solamh Parent Child Relationship Clinic in Dublin in 2010 (www.solamh.com)where she has worked with families around a variety of i

Always Children First Child Protection and Welfare Training for DLP’s of Laois ELC and SAC services – For more information or to book a place please contact Sinead at 057 866102 or email s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie

Laois Providers Consultation Session – HAVE YOUR SAY Revised Early Years Education Inspection Model -Birth to 6 Years Wednesday 4th May 7:00 – 8:00pm Portlaoise Parish Cente, Stradbally Rd, Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 FH67 Email Michelle to book your place m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81970 for more information.  

Revised Early Years Education Inspection Model -Birth to 6 Years Wednesday 12th May 7:00 – 8:30pm Portlaoise Parish Cente, Stradbally Rd, Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 FH67 Email Michelle to book your place m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81970 for more information.

Join our FREE online event on May 17th from 7:30pm. To book you place email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie or call 057 8661029 / 8681970 for more information.

Always Children First Child Safeguarding Awareness Training for Organisations for ELC and SAC services in Laois – For more information or to book a place please contact Sinead at 057 866102 or email s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie

Laois County Childcare Committee will host an information session on the Core Funding in the Portlaoise Parish Centre.  For more information please contact Claire on 057 8661029/81970

Laois County Childcare Committee, will be hosting a session for parents on the AIM programme in Rathdowney Library, Co. Laois If you would like to book a place on this information session please email Michelle at m.nolan@laoischildcare.ie w or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81907 for more information.

Laois County Childcare Committee will host on online Compliance information Session.  For more information please contact Sinead on 057 86 61029 or email s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie

Laois County Childcare Committee will host an information session on the Core Funding in the Portlaoise Parish Centre.  For more information please contact Claire on 057 8661029/81970

Laois County Childcare Committee will host on online Compliance information Session.  For more information please contact Sinead on 057 86 61029 or email s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie

About the Workshop This introductory workshop is aimed at practitioners who would like to increase their understanding of and familiarity with Síolta, Aistear and the Practice Guide. Participants will have opportunities to consider how they are currently using Síolta, Aistear and the Practice Guide and how they might begin to explore them further. This workshop is a pre-requisite for the NSAI Aistear and Play CPD (delivered through Better Start Quality Development Service). *Certificate of attendance will be emailed to services/participants on completion of the workshop.

About the Workshop This introductory workshop is aimed at practitioners who would like to increase their understanding of and familiarity with Síolta, Aistear and the Practice Guide. Participants will have opportunities to consider how they are currently using Síolta, Aistear and the Practice Guide and how they might begin to explore them further. This workshop is a pre-requisite for the NSAI Aistear and Play CPD (delivered through Better Start Quality Development Service). *Certificate of attendance will be emailed to services/participants on completion of the workshop.

The training falls under the Access and Inclusion Model, which as you know, supports children with disabilities to reap the full benefits of free pre-school education. Level 1 of AIM sets out to foster and embed a strong culture of inclusion to support all children’s maximum participation in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. AIM – Equality and Diversity Guidelines Training – All 4 dates must be attended.  18th May (2pm to 7pm), 25th May, (6.30pm to 9.30pm) 1st June, (6.30pm to 9.30pm) 8th June (6.30pm to 9.30pm) The training will cover; The National Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter Understanding Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Developing an anti-bias approach in early years The physical environment and its role in inclusive practice Under this level, a new Inclusion Charter has been developed. Updated Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Guidelines have bee

Laois County Childcare Committee is delivering a training programme which will support educators engage with “Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education”. This awareness raising programme will empower early years educators to explore, develop and promote inclusive practices for the benefit of all children and families availing of their service. It will give participants a greater confidence in developing and implementing an Inclusion Policy for their service. The training has been developed and funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. On completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate of attendance. To book a place please contact Sinead on 057 86 61029 Dates and Times of Training Sessions: 18th May (2pm to 7pm), 25th May, (6.30pm to 9.30pm) 1st June, (6.30pm to 9.30pm) 8th June (6.30pm to 9.30pm)

Laois County Childcare Committee, in conjunction with members of the AIM team will be hosting an on-line information session for parents on the AIM programme. Date: Monday 19th June 2023 Time: 7pm – 8pm online via Microsoft Teams If you would like to book a place on this information session please email Sinead at s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie with the email address you will use on the night  (so the link can be sent directly to you) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81907 for more information.

Laois County Childcare Committee are inviting all service providers in Laois to an online information session on the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) on Monday 26th June 2023 (7pm – 8pm) via Microsoft Teams. The Better Start Team Leader and an Early Years Specialist working in the locality of Laois will present the session on AIM and will provide an opportunity for questions and answers after the presentation. If you, or any of your staff would like to book a place on this information session please email Sinead at s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie with the participants email address (so a link can be sent directly to the participant) or please do not hesitate to contact Sinead on 057 86 61029  

This training is for those working in Childcare Services in Laois ONLY This one-day accredited training course looks at what constitutes child abuse, roles and responsibilities in reporting child protection and welfare concerns, child protection policy and safe work practices. If you haven’t attended in a while, it is recommended to attend every 3 years- there are a number of updates in the area to make you aware of including the role of the Mandated Person and Mandated reporting. If you are a DLP (Designated Liaison Person) that has not attended training, we would strongly encourage you to do so as part of your role. We have 2 dates for this training Saturday 6th April – Portlaoise Parish Centre – 9.30am – 4.30pm ~(A light lunch will be provided on the day.) Or Saturday 19th October – Portlaoise Parish Centre – 9.30am – 4.30pm ~(A light lunch will be provided on the day.)  A prerequisite of attending this training is that par

Laois County Childcare Committee will host a Focus Group for Childminders on the consultation on the draft childminding regulations in the Portlaoise Parish Centre on Monday 8th April at 7pm   If you would like to attend this session please phone 057 8661029 or email info@laoischildcare.ie to book your place

Laois County Childcare Committee, in conjunction with members of the Better Start AIM team will be hosting an on-line information session for parents on the AIM programme. Date: Wednesday 1st May Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm online via Microsoft Teams If you would like to book a place on this information session please email info@laoischildcare.ie with the participant’s email address (so the link can be sent directly to the participant) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81970 for more information.

Laois County Childcare Committee, in conjunction with members of the AIM Better Start team will be hosting an On-line information session for Parents on the AIM Programme on Wednesday 1st May at 7pm. If you would like to book a place on this information session please email us info@laoischildcare.ie or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81970 for more information.

Laois County Childcare Committee, in conjunction with members of the AIM team will be hosting an on-line information session for service providers on the AIM programme. Date: Wednesday 22nd May  7:00 – 8:00pm online via Microsoft Teams If you, or any of your staff would like to book a place on this information session please email us on info@laoischildcare.ie with the participant’s email address (so the link can be sent directly to the participant) or call 057 86 61029 / 057 86 81970 for more information

Síolta Awareness Raising Workshop – Part 1 – For Laois Childcare Providers will take place in the Portlaoise Parish Centre To book a place please contact Sinead on 057 86 61029 or email s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie This workshop will focus on: Standard 1: Rights of the Child Standard 3: Parents & Families Standard 4: Consultation Standard 5: Interactions Standard 14: Identity & Belonging Participants will: Understand the structure of Síolta principles, standards and components and how they connect with Aistear principles. Understand and explain the value of Síolta standards. Understand the evidence base and policy links of standards. Engage and reflect individually and with peers in professional dialogue focused on implementation of Síolta standards. Consider how they are currently implementing Síolta standards and how these standards might be applied

Síolta Awareness Raising Workshop – Part 2 – For Laois Childcare Providers will take place in the Portlaoise Parish Centre. To book a place please contact Sinead on 057 86 61029 or email s.brophy@laoischildcare.ie This workshop will focus on: Standard 2: Environments Standard 6: Play Standard 7: Curriculum Standard 13: Transitions Standard 16: Community Involvement Participants will: Understand the structure of Síolta principles, standards and components and how they connect with Aistear principles. Understand and explain the value of Síolta standards. Understand the evidence base and policy links of standards. Engage and reflect individually and with peers in professional dialogue focused on implementation of Síolta standards. Consider how they are currently implementing Síolta standards and how these standards might be applied further in practice.

Laois County Childcare Committee will host a meeting on the establishment of a Communities of Professional Practice (CoPP) for all Early Years and School Age Childcare Services. Communities of Professional Practice (CoPP) is a group of educators who have a common interest that come together to share knowledge, expertise and develop practice. All managers and educators are welcome to attend this event.  This event will take place in the Portlaoise Parish Centre on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 at 7pm.   Please email s.byrne@laoischildcare.ie to register your attendance. Benefits of Communities of Professional Practice Events Develop professional identity Promote best practice Acquire new knowledge and ideas Expand skills and expertise Develop new working relationships Build a support network Keep up to date with sector developments

Online Networking Meeting Tuesday 27th August 7 pm – 8 pm   Are you a childminder or interested in minding children in your own home? Join us for an opportunity to meet other childminders and for information and support. Meet our new Childminding Support Worker Joanne and discuss the current changes in childminding in Ireland and the National Action Plan for Childminding.   Book a place: To book a place email Joanne on j.fenlon@laoischildcare.ie

This training is for those working in Childcare Services in Laois ONLY This one-day accredited training course looks at what constitutes child abuse, roles and responsibilities in reporting child protection and welfare concerns, child protection policy and safe work practices. If you haven’t attended in a while, it is recommended to attend every 3 years- there are a number of updates in the area to make you aware of including the role of the Mandated Person and Mandated reporting. If you are a DLP (Designated Liaison Person) that has not attended training, we would strongly encourage you to do so as part of your role. We have 2 dates for this training Saturday 6th April – Portlaoise Parish Centre – 9.30am – 4.30pm ~(A light lunch will be provided on the day.) Or Saturday 19th October – Portlaoise Parish Centre – 9.30am – 4.30pm ~(A light lunch will be provided on the day.)  A prerequisite of attending this training is that par

Communities of Professional Practice (CoPP) is a group of educators who have a common interest that come together to share knowledge, expertise and develop practice. Benefits of Communities of Professional Practice Meetings Develop professional identity Promote best practice Acquire new knowledge and ideas Expand skills and expertise Develop new working relationships Build a support network Keep up to date with sector Save the Date Date: Wednesday 23rd of October 2024 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 Venue: Portlaoise Parish Centre Discussion Topic: Observations and Documenting Children’s Learning Tea and Coffee refreshments provided All managers and educators are welcome to attend this meeting. Please email s.byrne@laoischildcare.ie to register your attendance.