Louth County Childcare, Parents Information

Louth County Childcare Committee recognises the hard work of parents. We are here as a support to all parents in County Louth.

Previously Louth County Childcare Committee has held:
	National Children’s Day, Celebrating Children in County Louth we held Free Family Days in Ardee.

	Parents Seminar with Richard Wolfson, Why do Children do that – a themed evening

Publications for Parents:
	‘Childminding – A guide for parents’ - this is a booklet designed to help parents when choosing a childminder

	Why Childcare – What Childcare – is a booklet that explains the different types of childcare available in the County

Additional Supports for Parents:
	A Directory Service – Parents can contact our offices and receive a directory of Childcare services and Childminders in the county

Telephone Support – we operate Monday to Friday and have been invaluable in assisting parents in all kinds of queries and supports

Childcare for your child/ren

There are 4 different types of pre-school childcare services (in general) in Ireland:

1. Sessional Services: Playgroups, crèches, Montessori groups, playschools etc. Services normally offered are planned programmes, consisting of up to 3.5 hours per session (ie a morning or an afternoon). Generally, children catered for include those in the 2-6 years age bracket.

2. Full Day Care: This is structured day care service for more than 3.5 hours per day. Providers can include day nurseries, crèches etc.

3. Childminders: Children are cared for in the childminder’s own home. Childminders offer this service for the full working day or for different periods during the day. Parents and childminders negotiate their own terms. (Only childminders caring for more than 3 children are covered by the Child Care Act 1991.)

4. Drop-in Centres: often provided in shopping centres, leisure centres & hotels.