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The Childminding Advisory Service based in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership attended the launch of the new, Childminding Ireland, Registered Nanny, the Bespoke Childcare Solution! in the Killiney Castle Hotel on July 22. It was launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Mr. Barry Andrews, TD. . . . click here to read more >>
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On July 1st, the Childminding Advisory Service, which is based in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership, invited all childminders to the monthly Book Exchange in the Axis Centre. The Exchange provides free books to help promote more reading in the community. The hope is that the childminders will attend the monthly trip to the Book Exchange and incorporate it into their routine, along with more regular visits to their local libraries . . . click here to read more >>
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The Childminding Advisory Service in the Dublin North West Local Childcare Resource Centre ran a Quality Awareness Programme for childminders and potential childminders in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership from April 26 to 29 ('10). This Programme gives participants valuable information on topics such as: ‘Starting your own Business’; Hygiene,Health and Safety; Child Development; Play; Wellbeing, Food and Nutrition . . . click here to read more >>
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This computer class for beginners was delivered by Lisa Donaldson for the Childminding Advisory Service in May, 2010. The childminders who attended it either brought their own laptops or used those provided by Lisa. She explored topics such as: How do you search to find art/craft/theme inspiration for your minded children? How do you make the most of the computer you have? The workshop gives an overview of the technology and dispels all the mysteries surrounding them. It explains the uses for computers in a childcare setting, and included hands-on lessons and themes such as
Understanding the Terminology from FTP to URL’s
Web surfing and searching and the best childcare related websites
MS Word – What can it do for you?
Create a webpage?? Yes you can!
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As part of the celebrations for National Childminding Week, the Childminding Advisory Service based in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership invited all childminders to the monthly Book Exchange in the Axis Centre.
For those who are new to Book Exchange, the idea behind it is to bring a book and exchange it for another for FREE! Huge numbers attend to choose from the extensive collection of adult and children’s books on offer. The Exchange provides free books to help promote more reading in the community. There are many books to choose from and a chance to speak to other avid readers. The childminders are used to seeing a mini-Book Exchange whenever they come for training in the Partnership offices. This provides a sample selection of books for swapping.
Above right: Two preschoolers who found just the books they were looking for!
We were delighted to welcome over a dozen childminders on the day, along with their minded children and their own preschoolers. They had an opportunity to meet Breege Breheny, the schools coordinator from The Incredible Years Programme, along with Duana Quigley and Martina Gannon from Write-Minded.
We provided free tea, coffee and biscuits for the childminders, and the children were delighted to receive snack boxes containing juice, fruit and goodies.
The childminders enjoyed the morning so much that several of them have decided to build a monthly trip to the Book Exchange into their routine, along with more regular visits to their local libraries.
Right: A childminder with one of her minded children enjoying lunch at the Book Exchange.
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The Childminding Advisory Service ran a 2-day Paediatric First Aid course on the last 2 Saturdays in March, which was a great networking opportunity for the childminders, as well as a learning curve. The participants included one woman who has been minding children for nearly twenty years, as well as others who are recent immigrants into Ireland and are looking for guidance and support.
We always find that, while gaining great knowledge from the courses we run, the attendees also make friends and contacts who may be of assistance to them in their future work as childminders.
Roma (pictured above right), who is Mauritian, was awarded her Paediatric First Aid cert in March, 2010
Other participants in a 2-day Paediatric First Aid course, March, 2010
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Lisa Donaldson returned to the Childminding Advisory Service in March to present a workshop in Music and the Young Child. The participants experimented with homemade musical instruments and learned to see and hear the world from the viewpoint of a baby and a child. Everyone had great fun and said that they would have lots of new experiences to offer the children they mind.
A Refresher one-day course in Paediatric First Aid was offered by the Childminding Advisory Service in March. This course was specifically for childminders who had previously done the full 2-day course and whose certificates were about to lapse. The attendance was very good and, although the day proved to be intense and demanding, all the childminders were happy that they had been reminded of the skills required for first aid with small children.
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On February 22, eight childminders completed the Siolta/Hanen course with Joanne Waters and Sarah Brewer of youngballymun . The certs were presented by Pat Tobin, youngballymun and a good time was had by all! The childminders talked about how doing the course, over nine weeks, had improved their interactions with the children in their care, and how they would like to continue their learning. We hope to enable them to do this in the near future
. . . click here for more pictures >>
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The Childminding Advisory Service ran a "Children First" Child Protection course in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership on Saturday, February 20, 2010. The course was specially developed by Liz Butler and Jan Davis, HSE and was facilitated on the day by Liz, Sheila Sheridan and Pat Dunne . . . click here for more details & pictures >>
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The Childminding Advisory Service linked in to the Local Childcare Resource Centre to give childminders and childcare workers an evening to remember in the Axis Centre, Ballymun. We invited all of those who had done training with either Service in 2009 to a celebratory evening of networking, food and drink and talks from Roisin Shortall, TD and author, Patricia Scanlon . . . click here for more details & pictures >>
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This 9 evening course has begun under the auspices of the Childminding Advisory Service and youngballymun. Tutor, Sarah Brewer, who is a speech and language therapist, working with Joanne Waters, the Siolta co-ordinator for the Ballymun area, and in conjunction with the Advisory Service, has adapted the Hanen You Make the Difference Programme for childminders. The aim is to provide childminders with the tools to enrich children’s language and learning during ordinary everyday routines like meal time, play time and bath time. This training will also be linked with elements of Siolta Standard 5, Interactions.
The childminders will attend 9 fun and interactive sessions in total. A toy, book or dvd is given to each childminder at the end of each session to keep and to use with a child at home. A certificate of completion will be provided at the end of training.
There are no vacancies on this course, but it is hoped to begin another one in 2010, so interested parties should apply immediately in order to be considered for it.
The Childminding Advisory Service is delighted to be starting what we hope will be a fruitful, long-term partnership with youngballymun.
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Learning CPR in the Childminding Advisory Service.
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Pat Dunne, Childminding Advisor (first left, second row), with participants in the Paediatric First Aid course.
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The final Paediatric First Aid course of 2009 for the Dublin North West Childcare Resource Area took place on 2 Saturdays, November 7th and 14th in the offices of the Partnership. We had eleven participants and they will all receive their certificates in the near future. These are the Heartsaver CPR for child and infant, and the Paediatric First Aid itself. The importance of childminders receiving this training was emphasised by the trainer. It is so necessary that they can respond quickly and correctly to any unexpected emergency and that they have the confidence to know that they are acting in an appropriate manner.
The childminders were very happy with the high standard of delivery from Pauline McCarthy, of Interactive Life Support Training, ably assisted by Sarah. They also enjoyed their hot lunches on both days; this was prepared by Noel Thompson Catering, and served to the childminders by Betty, from his company.
Some of the comments from the participants:
"I did the course to get a general knowledge of dealing with certain situations of a medical nature with children."
"The dummies were realistic and I would feel confident in performing CPR on adult or child."
"I found Pauline to be very clear and I came out of her course with a clear understanding of topics covered."
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Childminders had a great evening at the Art and Craft for Halloween workshop, held in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership on Wednesday, October 21 2009. They were ably led by Carrie Kavanagh, who is herself a childminder, and they enjoyed themselves while learning how to make Halloween figures and scary masks and decorations. They will now have a wealth of ability and knowledge and will help the children they mind to make all kinds of great Halloween decorations.
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Childminding Advisors Sheila Sheridan and Pat Dunne are here to assist both childminders and parents. If you are a childminder or if you are interested in becoming a childminder, we can help. We provide free training, information , support and advice. We can also help you to meet other childminders. In addition, if you are a parent looking for a childminder we may also be able to help you. If you have any questions about the service we provide then please contact us at:
The Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnnership - 842 3612
Sheila Sheridan - 01 8423612 or sheila@ballymun.org
Pat Dunne - 01 8423612 or pdunne@ballymun.org
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Further information for childminders is available on the Dublin City Childcare Committee website: www.childcareonline.ie. Useful childminding information can be downloaded from there.
See the box on the right for direct links to some of the document sets on that site >>
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| Dublin City Childcare Committee Info |
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The Childminding Advisory Service located in the Partnership delivered a Paediatric First Aid course on both Saturdays, July 4 and 11, 2009. The course was completely booked out, and the 12 participants enjoyed it thoroughly . . . click here to read more >>
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n April 23, 2009, Lisa Donaldson ran a Workshop for childminders, entitled, ‘Many Kinds of Smart’. This workshop examined questions, such as: What defines intelligence? Are you intelligent only if you can pass examinations? How do we learn? . . . click here to read more >>
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his workshop took place in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership on Tuesday, 10 March in the evening. It was conducted by Lisa Donaldson, who showed the childminders how to interest children in the fun that can be created with Maths and Science. . . . click here to find out more >>
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hildminding Week this year is on the theme of Síolta, the Irish word for seeds and also the name of a quality enhancement scheme in all forms of childcare for young children . . . read more >>
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A Quality Awareness Programme is on Saturdays March 14th and 21st 2009. It runs from 10 am to 4 pm. Those of you who have completed FETAC Level 5 do not need to do this
Fun Science and Maths Workshop is on Tuesday 10th March 2009. It runs from 7pm to 9.30
We are running an Art and Craft workshop for Easter on Wednesday April 1st 2009 from 7pm to 9.30 pm.
We are running a Storytelling Evening (advice on books for children and a ‘how to’ session) in March. The date and time are to be confirmed. This is great fun and we highly recommend it.
Many Kinds of Smart Workshop is on Wednesday April 22nd 2009, Wednesday Evening 7pm to 9.30pm. This is a really interesting workshop about different kinds of intelligences i.e. Multiple Intelligence in a fun way. We are all intelligent in different ways.
Other courses will take place later in the year. These will include Paediatric First Aid, Marte Meo, Special Needs, Child Protection, FETAC Level 5 for Childminders, Arts and Crafts and Computer Skills.
If you wish to be considered for any of these courses, please contact: Pat or Sheila in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership on 842 3612 (leave a message); or on Pat’s mobile: 087 288 4107. Please note that you must contact us to confirm your place.
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Childminders Network Meeting
Venue: Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership
Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Date: Tuesday, 24th March 2009
This is a wonderful opportunity for Childminders to meet with each other for coffee and biscuits in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership. Childminders can feel isolated at times and this can be a valuable experience to discuss issues on which they would like some feedback. You may also just feel like having a coffee and a chat.
All Childminders who have done training or registered with Pat Dunne or Sheila Sheridan are welcome.
Free Playdate For Childminders And Minded Children
Venue:HURLY BURLYS in North Park - off the M50 at exit 5. North Park is on North Road (from Finglas to Ashtown) The entrance to North Park is beside Mahony Motors, opposite Joe Duffy BMW Motors on the North Road. Please note that it is south of the M50.
Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm
Date: Monday, 30th March 2009
Childminders’ Advisors are organising a free Playdate for Childminders and minded children on Dublin’s Northside. It will celebrate Childminding Week with a fun session for children, and a chance for minders and advisors to chat over a cuppa at Hurly Burlys (www.hurlyburly.ie). To book free places e-mail pdunne@ballymun.org, phone or text 087 288 4107. You can also contact liz.butler@hse.ie or text 086 805 9323 with all of your own contact details and the number of children you will bring.
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Above: Participants on the Paediatric First Aid February 2009.
Our first Paediatric First Aid course of 2009 took place in the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership on February 21st and 28th. Thirteen childminders successfully completed the course. We will run another one in June. If you are interested contact Pat Dunne 087 28 84107.
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Pat Dunne and Sheila Sheridan, Childminding Advisors in Dublin North Central, have been busy with training for childminders in 2008, and they expect to run several other courses and workshops in the Autumn/Winter . . . click here for more infomation & pictures >>
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We can offer you FREE TRAINING in courses such as PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID, CHILDREN FIRST CHILD PROTECTION, and many others. Contact us to ensure your place. In the near future, we are delivering in the Ballymun and Clontarf areas. In the Autumn, we hope to run a FETAC Level 5 module for Childminders. Places are limited, so please contact us at sheila@ballymun.org or at pdunne@ballymun.org.
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This Summer, Ballymun Partnership Parents Network are hosting a series of "Money Saving Workshops".
Drop in for a chat and fair trade cuppa and get additional information on other issues such as childcare, parenting and play activities for children. Maybe win a free gift!
All the workshops will run from 9:45 to 11:45am. In May there are two on Tuesdays 22nd & 29th. In June the workshops will be held on Wednesdays the 6th, 13th, 20th and 26th and in July on Wednesday 4th.
Supported by Global Action Plan, Ballymun Lifestart, Dublin North West Childcare Resource Centre and Solas.
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2008 Christmas Party for the Childminders Childcare Providers
Graduation Celebrations For Childminders!
