Next Steps

What's next once you have chosen an Early Learning and Care service?

When you have visited some services, you may feel you are in a better position to choose the right one for your child and family.

Once you have chosen a service, there are some simple steps to take next:

  • Contact your provider to begin the enrollment process. If you wish to visit the service again, make an appointment.  
  • When paying a deposit, ask for a receipt and be clear of the criteria around refundable/non-refundable deposits. Please note: Deposits for ECCE only sessions cannot be more than the amount paid to the service by the Government for 4 weeks of ECCE sessions for your child. 
  • If your child’s name is placed on a waiting list, ask for written confirmation of this and enquire of the services procedure in managing the waiting list. 
  • Arrange a start date and settling in period in line with the procedures of the service.
  • Prepare your child for their new experience by talking about the service, what they might do there, about their new teacher and friends they will make. 
  • Share as much relevant information as possible with the staff caring for your child such as illnesses, allergies or medical needs, likes and dislikes, eating and sleeping patterns, etc. Ensure you have enough time to do this. The more information you provide about your child, the easier it is for staff to meet your child’s needs and the easier is for the child to transition from home to the service.
  • Ensure the service is provided with everything they require to care for your child such as nappies, food, bottles, etc.
  • Request a copy of policies and procedures. 
  • If you are availing of a funding programme, ask for clarification on the associated notice period (e.g. if you choose to move to another service, what is the notice period and if the funding stays with the child or with the service in these instances).
  • If you have additional questions, consult with your early learning and care provider.

Let's Get Ready Website

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) have launched the Let’s Get Ready website to support parents and early year’s providers for the reopening of the Early Learning and Care sector, following the closure of services in March 20 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Let’s Get Ready website includes lots of useful advice on preparing for the transition back into the service with lots of helpful resources. 

Additional resources to support parents are available on this website including DCYA’s FAQ for Parents on the Reopening of the sector and Barnardos publication Supporting your child’s emotional well-being on their return to Early Leaning and Care. 

Visit the Lets Get Ready Website

If you have any queries related to the Early Learning and Care sector, contact Dublin City Childcare Committee on 01 8733696 or email info@dccc.ie

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