MyChildcare.ie Blog

Play: Free Time That Pays Huge Dividends

2012-01-12T01:53:00.001-08:00

New Article on our website from our parent coach:

http://www.mychildcare.ie/Play_Free_Time_That_Pays_Huge_Dividends.asp

Looking for work in Childcare?

2011-08-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Childcare Jobs in Ireland
Looking for work in Childcare? We now have over 100 new childcare jobs on http://childcarejobs.mychildcare.ie so get applying online today!

Another URL for the Childcare Jobs Website

2011-08-17T05:17:00.001-07:00

You can also get to our new jobs website via the following link:

http://childcarejobs.mychildcare.ie

Childcare Jobs in Ireland - A Brand new and free website

2011-08-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

New and Free Jobs Website For the Childcare Sector in Ireland LaunchedCo. Dublin, Ireland — 16 Aug. 2011 — MyChildcare.ie launch new FREE website for childcare professionals to find work in Ireland

MyChildcare.ie have today launched www.mychildcare.ie/jobs, a brand new free jobs website dedicated to childcare professionals to find work in Ireland. Established in 2008, www.MyChildcare.ie is the number one website in Ireland helping parents find childcare. We have over 110,000 visits to the website every year with a search for childcare happened every 3 minutes. MyChildcare.ie has its office in Dublin.

Mychildcare.ie/jobs allows childcare providers to advertise vacancies within the childcare sector and to enable jobseekers to find their dream career in childcare. Our mission is to continuously deliver a high quality platform to enable parents to find childcare in their area and to enable childcare providers to advertise their childcare business to parents.

www.mychildcare.ie/jobs

Search - A database of relevant, up-to-date vacancies all across Ireland in the childcare sector
Apply - Apply directly to childcare providers who have vacancies. You can even upload your CV online

Benefits for Recruiters

Free Advertising - Post vacancies and promote your company profile for free. Unlimited job postings for free
Get CV’s directly from applicants from your online advert
Support - Just like www.MyChildcare.ie we look after you

To search for a job or to employ someone in the childcare sector simply go to www.mychildcare.ie/jobs and use the website. It’s 100% FREE!

The top 5 worries parents have

2011-08-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. We have a new article on our website about the top 5 worries parents have... thanks to Marian for the article

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_parents_top_5_concerns.asp

Our faceboook page using our new short link

2011-06-21T11:22:00.001-07:00

You can not get to our faceboook page using our new short link: http://www.facebook.com/mychildcare

Fears and Worrys your children have....

2011-06-10T03:55:00.000-07:00

We just love this article that Marian or parenting expert has written for us... it's very useful on dealing with the fears that children have:

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_things_that_children_fear.asp

Budgeting For My New Family

2011-05-31T02:39:00.000-07:00

New article on the site - Budgeting For My New Family: http://www.mychildcare.ie/finances.asp

A new website partnership!

2011-04-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Remember recently we said that we'd found an amazing product (recently arrived in Ireland) which will end all the fights about eating fish in your house!? An Omega 3 superfood that your kids will love (I know our kids adore it!)

Well, at MyChildcare.ie we are delighted to announce a new website partnership with www.IdealOmega.ie . You will see their snappy advertising on some of the pages of our website.

We genuinely love this product and we think you and your little crew will too. It's a high grade Omega 3 tasty smoothie type food. And as a launch offer Ideal Omega are offering 15% off your first order. Simply enter the code IDEALOMEGA15 when checking out on our brand new website http://www.idealomega.ie/ and get 15% off!

Our Free Android App is now available

2011-03-22T09:53:00.001-07:00

Today we are delighted and excited to announce that our new FREE Android Smartphone app has been launched! Thanks to everyone at MtechSolutions.ie who made this possible. You can find out more here http://www.mychildcare.ie/mobile and if you have an Android phone go to the Android Market Place and install it... just search for MyChildcare.ie in the store

Let Me Tell You A Story

2011-03-04T00:20:00.001-08:00

Let Me Tell You A Story - It's good to read to your kids. New from our parent coach

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_let_me_tell_you_a_story.asp

Childcare in the news in 2011:

2011-02-27T12:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.Mychildcare.ie/news

Look for better deal on creche fees, watchdog urges parents

Childminding grandparents must learn to say no

Pre-school workers key to identifying abuse

Focus on Creche Fees

Has the crash changed the creche?

Over 9,000 parents now using MyChildcare.ie every month to find childcare

http://www.Mychildcare.ie/news

The techie people who make MyChildcare.ie possible

2011-02-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Our parent company, and the techie people who make MyChildcare.ie possible, have a brand new website. Have a look at: http://www.invictus.ie

Creche fees

2011-02-22T03:01:00.001-08:00

Creche fees

Source: http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/parenting/creche-fees-2544288.html

They were once an absolute necessity in many Celtic Tiger marriages; the creches where hard-working parents dropped their children each morning as they went off to work.

Now both sides are feeling the pinch as recession and unemployment takes its toll on what parents will pay and what providers can charge.

A report by the National Consumer Agency showed that creche fees around the country range from €140 a week in Tralee, Co Kerry, to a whopping €268 a week in Swords, Co Dublin. The average fee of €190 a week for just one child works out at close to €10,000 a year, a huge chunk of most people's earnings, especially if they have to pay for more than one child.

While cash-strapped parents struggle to pay huge childcare bills, advocates in the industry claim that most creches are barely staying afloat. Push costs down further and the standard of service will drop, they say. Some creches may even go under.

A survey in 2009 by the National Children's Nurseries Association (NCNA), an organisation that represents many creche owners, showed that 36% of creches had already reduced staff numbers.

"A lot of our members, particularly in the commuter belt around Dublin, are really suffering from high rents and commercial rates. It's not unusual for creches to be charged €10,000 a year in commercial rates from their local council," says Teresa Heeney, director of services for the NCNA.

Customer numbers are also down thanks to rising unemployment. Parents are shifting from full-time to part-time care because of shorter working hours. And many parents are asking and getting discounts to keep their children in childcare, though these may not be advertised, she claims.

"There's been a huge transformation in the sector," says Heeney. "A lot of the discounts which are being offered to people individually don't show up in reports like the NCA's. Also the price given is for full-time care. Many creches are now caring for more children on a part-time basis," she says.

"We're also seeing a trend towards less formal arrangements for childcare. People are drafting in friends and family members to mind children and so keep costs down."

Mary Giblin of the Galway City and County Childcare Committee says that even within her area prices vary enormously. "You'll find creches in the city are a lot more expensive than those outside the city. I think it's the difference in rents. From what I can see all creches are having a hard time at the moment."

The introduction of the free pre-school year for children aged three and upwards has been a lifeline to privately-run creches, say both Heeney and Giblin. The scheme, which has been taken up by 94% of parents of eligible children, provides for a €64.50 fee per week per child in private care.

Parents may have sympathy for creche owners but it's short-lived. Costs may not have increased greatly over the last few years but the average parent's take-home pay has fallen.

A survey in late 2009 by the parenting site Rollercoaster (www.rollercoaster.ie) revealed that more than half of parents now questioned whether it was worth their while to work given the high cost of childcare.

"What we're noticing is that some women are packing in part-time jobs to stay at home and care for their children and take in other children to mind," says Giblin.

"It's a very attractive arrangement for the working parent because it's a lot cheaper, maybe as little as €50 a week. And of course it's an income for the minder that they wouldn't otherwise have.

"I suppose I'd be concerned that people would view child-minding as a 'handy earner'. It's not as easy as that. You need to be insured for example. We also offer free first aid courses and other little training grants to try and encourage people to get in contact with us."

The recession has also made au pairs a lot more popular. At the Shamrock Au Pair agency (aupairireland.com), Fiona Byrne is being contacted by families that previously wouldn't have been able to consider having an au pair.

"The issue is that au pairs can't work more than 30 hours a week and if both parents are in full-time jobs it won't work. But now people's hours have been cut," she says.

At the Shamrock agency au pairs are paid €90 'pocket money' in return for 30 hours' childminding which can include baby-sitting at night. They are also given full board and lodging, which must include their own room. "I'm quite careful to explain to people there are hidden costs here. You have another adult to feed," says Byrne.

As well as pocket money, families pay the agency a fee which varies according to the length of time an au pair stays. For a three-month stay the Shamrock fee is €285, rising to €695 for a six-month stay or longer.

The agency then collects references and conducts police checks on the au pairs. It will also provide a replacement au pair if necessary.

"What people have to remember though is these girls are not qualified nannies. They usually have some experience but they don't have training," says Byrne.

As the NCNA's Heeney points out the Government has invested many millions over the last few years to support Ireland's childcare infrastructure.

But the recession is now taking its toll. Creche costs may be high but they are all now strictly regulated and subject to inspections.

"I worry that some of this infrastructure won't survive the next few years. Then when we have an upturn we'll end up having to reinvest in it all over again," she says.

For the moment though, many hard-pressed parents have little choice but to find cheaper childcare arrangements.

Irish Independent

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/parenting/creche-fees-2544288.html

MyChildcare.ie Android app coming soon

2011-02-03T01:12:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready to launch the new MyChildcare.ie Android smartphone app so you can find childcare in Ireland from the palm of your hand! We will publish more details soon on http://www.MyChildcare.ie

‎5 Tips For Stress Free Mornings

2011-02-01T00:04:00.000-08:00

‎5 Tips For Stress Free Mornings. Marian Byrne our parent coach has written a little article for us. http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_stress_free_morning.asp

Christmas - Enjoy or Endure?

2010-12-07T00:27:00.001-08:00

Christmas - Enjoy or Endure?

It is nearly that time of year again and all the fabulous snow last week makes it easier to get the sense that Christmas is coming. If you love this time of year you may wonder why such a title - enjoy or endure? Interestingly, however, the biggest response I had in the last 12 months was in relation to Christmas and all the pressure it can bring. http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_christmas.asp

2010-11-19T05:44:00.001-08:00

So, does preschool raise morality in children?

Well, children who have the benefit of preschool are less likely to lie, cheat or steal as adults, a conference was told yesterday. You can read the full detail here:

http://www.mychildcare.ie/news_preschool_morality.asp

Parenting rules you know you will break

2010-11-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Marian Byrne, our parenting expert, has written a new article on our website. It's called "Parenting rules you know you will break" and you can read it here:

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_parent_rules.asp

You can visit MyChildcare.ie here

10% Wrapsies Discount for our users!

2010-10-13T23:54:00.001-07:00

The kind people over at www.wrapsies.ie have offered all our reader and users a 10% discount as well as sponsoring our monthly prize. So even if you don't win the monthly prize, as a user of MyChildcare.ie you still get 10% off at wrapsies!! Just use the discount "MYCC" (case sensitive) at the first stage of check to get your discount!

www.mychildcare.ie

A brand new competition

2010-10-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

We have a brand new competition online in association with Wrapsies.ie to win a Walter Whale towelling wrapsie. All you have to do is make en enquiry to a childcare provider who is listed on MyChildcare.ie to be entered into the monthly draw! visit www.mychildcare.ie/win to find out more!

We have a brand new look

2010-10-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We have a brand new look, brand new website layout... but the same great service (we hope you agree!)... www.mychildcare.ie

Pre-school workers are getting a raw deal on pay

2010-09-15T06:54:00.001-07:00

While the free pre-school year, which is available to children born between February 2, 2006, and June 30, 2007, under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, is positive and adds stability to the sector, it needs serious improvement if it is to succeed longer term and it must be off-limits to cuts in the forthcoming budget

Full Article:
http://www.mychildcare.ie/pre_school_workers_get_raw_deal_on_pay.asp

"Free" pre-school costs add up

2010-09-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Parents say ‘optional’ extras should be free but many creches are adamant the scheme doesn’t cover their costs. This week children around the country are starting their free pre-school year in creches, playschools and naíonraí around the country but, judging by the online debate at least, the scheme is the source of some confusion and not a little controversy.

Full article here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/free_pre-school_costs_add_up.asp

New School Term - "Go with the flow"

2010-09-07T06:01:00.001-07:00

New School Term - "Go with the flow" says our parenting expert, Marian Byrne.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_going_with_the_flow.asp

Kids that wont sleep?

2010-08-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

Kids that will not sleep? Putting the Sleep back Into Bedtime on our site http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_sleepbackintobedtime.asp

Super nannies save the day

2010-08-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

DEMAND for the services of nannies has "surged", according to a group which represents childminders.

Bernie Griffiths, of Childminding Ireland, said: "We are getting calls from single parents who need help around the clock, working parents who are working longer hours, parents who are having to travel further for work and those who want a more economical deal."

She said the biggest market for nannies was in Dublin, where in-house carers may prove more cost-effective than creches, followed by rural areas of Waterford and Cork.

"We are certain we will see interest from those affected by the recession, people who opt to change their career," said Ms Griffiths.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/super_nannies_save_the_day.asp

Bill to vet childcare workers due by end of year

2010-08-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Bill to vet childcare workers due by end of year.

MINISTER FOR Children Barry Andrews says he will bring legislative proposals to Government by the end of the year to vet people who work with children for their suitability.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) complained last week that the continued absence of the promised National Vetting Bureau Bill was having a hugely negative impact on organisations working with children.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/bill_to_vet_childcare_workers.asp

Coming back from the tantrum meltdown!

2010-07-29T12:05:00.001-07:00

There is much written about tantrums and children. What are they? Why do they happen? What should a parent do before, during and after? We are to understand, predict and avoid, and if it does happen remain cool, calm and collected. Read our parent coach's article here on MyChildcare.ie

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_tantrums.asp

Welcome Marian's Creche in Headford

2010-06-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

Welcome Marian's Creche in Headford, Galway to MyChildcare.ie! Loads of photos on their advert on our website...

www.mychildcare.ie

Cedar Montessori, Dublin 18

2010-06-04T10:36:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Sharon and all at Cedar Montessori, Dublin 18 to MyChildcare.ie. Some lovely photos on their advert with us.

Tír na nÓg Childcare and Montessori in Mulhuddart

2010-04-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to welcome Tír na nÓg Childcare and Montessori in Mulhuddart to MYChildcare.ie! www.mychildcare.ie

3 Questions that might interest parents this month

2010-04-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

3 Questions that might interest parents this month, from our parenting expert Marian Byrne:

Just 3 questions this month, 3 important questions:

Who, other than yourself and their other parent do they respond well to and why?

If your child or children were asked to describe you, what would they say?

In Three Years time, will this matter?

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_april2010_newsletter.asp

MyChildcare feature on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast show on TodayFM

2010-04-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

MyChildcare feature on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast show on TodayFM this morn! Click here to listen to the clip

http://www.mychildcare.ie/MyChildcare_ie_feature_on_Ian_Dempsey_Breakfast_show.asp

Godparents

2010-03-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Our parent coach Marian has written an article about Godparents which U can view here:

To be or not to be – that is the question? Those famous words are often quoted and I do so again here in relation to the whole area of Godparenting. If and when it is relevant, it is an area where there is not much help or guidelines on offer to help us make decisions – if we feel we need help.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_godparents.asp

Call for vetting of childcare workers

2010-03-24T11:20:00.001-07:00

Call for vetting of childcare workers: CHILDMINDING IRELAND has called for the mandatory vetting of all people who work with children by the Garda following new figures showing just over half of its own members have been vetted.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/news23032010.asp

Sleepover or Wakeover??

2010-03-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sleepover or Wakeover?? When your children are ready for that often dreaded 1st sleepover. Our parent coach marian Byrne has written a great article about this for us: http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_sleepover.asp

Raglan Childcare Center

2010-03-21T06:05:00.001-07:00

We just want to welcome Jean and everyone at Raglan Childcare Center in Dun Laoghaire to MyChildcare.ie... so, welcome!!

www.MyChildcare.ie

Happy Saint Patricks Day

2010-03-17T08:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Saint Patricks Day to all our followers! Couldn't bring the kids to the Parade today, one has a vomiting bug... the joys ;o) Talk soon! Adrian @ MyChildcare

HSE blasts creche for tough discipline

2010-03-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

You can read the full article here:
http://www.mychildcare.ie/news15032010.asp
and here: http://www.independent.ie/national-news/hse-blasts-creche-for-tough-discipline-2099258.html

Tadpoles Childcare in Rush

2010-03-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

A big MyChildcare weclome to Caroline and Tadpoles Childcare in Rush, Co. Dublin to the site! www.MyChildcare.ie

Early Childhood Care and Education ( ECCE) Scheme

2010-03-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Early Childhood Care and Education ( ECCE) Scheme. A new questions and answers is now online: http://www.mychildcare.ie/news09032010.asp

Little Poppets Creche & Montessori in Kilcoole

2010-03-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

We would like to welcome Sacha and Little Poppets Creche & Montessori in Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow to www.MyChildcare.ie!

Sibling Rivalry

2010-03-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

Sibling Rivalry, the latest article from our parent coach is all about it! When you have one child you become a parent. When you have two (or three or four....) you become a referee!

(Not sure who said this, but they definitely must have had more than one)

I have often heard parents say 'it would be fine if I only had one (or two or three - usually one less than they have) child......'
It is usually the constant bickering or outright war between siblings that can trigger an outburst from us or see us trying ('trying' usually being the word) to settle fights. He/She......

started it
took my.........
hit me
is annoying me
looked at me funny

Sound familar? Perhaps it might help to know

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_march2010_newsletter.asp

Lollipop Tree Creche-Montessori in Clarecastle

2010-03-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Lollipop Tree Creche-Montessori in Clarecastle, Co Clare have also joined MyChildcare.ie. We hope you enjoy the site Bernadette!

The Oval Creche on Palmerstown Avenue

2010-03-02T12:37:00.001-08:00

The Oval Creche on Palmerstown Avenue have joined MyChildcare.ie so we wish to welcome Tanya and the team there!

Angel Faces Creche in Enfield

2010-03-01T12:18:00.001-08:00

Angel Faces Creche in Enfield have joined us here at www.mychildcare.ie to showcase their fabulous facility! A big welcome to Bernadette.

The Discoveries Creche Group

2010-03-01T10:56:00.001-08:00

The Discoveries Creche Group are now advertising on MyChildcare.ie. They are based in Shankill, Blackrock, Dublin 24! Welcome to all there at discoveries.

www.mychildcare.ie

Jigsaw Creche in Edenderry

2010-02-28T05:23:00.001-08:00

Jigsaw Creche in Edenderry, Offaly have chosen MyChildcare.ie to advertise their business. Welcome to Una and all the team there!

Tiny Tots Playschool & Montessori in Cabinteely

2010-02-28T05:22:00.001-08:00

Tiny Tots Playschool & Montessori in Cabinteely have chosen MyChildcare.ie to advertise their business. Welcome to Avril and everyone there!

Recognition for best nurseries

2010-02-24T12:29:00.003-08:00

THE Minister for Children, Barry Andrews, last night presented 16 childcare facilities from around the country with All Ireland Centre of Excellence awards. In the same week that health chiefs warned that one-third of childcare facilities were not inspected last year, as inspection personnel were diverted into dealing with swine flu, these 16 childcare providers were found to excel in the early-years care they offer.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/news24022010_2.asp

Tighter childcare standards proposed

2010-02-24T12:29:00.001-08:00

Under current regulations all residential centres are expected to vet staff working with children, although in 2008 one-third of centres did not comply with this requirement. The new programme would ensure no childcare provider could get a licence unless the person in charge was of “good character”.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/news24022010_1.asp

Losing out on free pre-schooling plan

2010-02-24T12:28:00.001-08:00

As Jamie Smyth reported (Home News, Irish Times, February 4th), it is welcome that the new Early Childhood Care and Education scheme will benefit 51,000 children this year. However, if, like my daughter, you were one of 18,000 children born in quarter three of 2007 you will not be be able to avail of the Government ’s “generous” new scheme in September 2010, despite being eligible to start primary school a year later.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/news24022010.asp

Concern at lack of childcare inspections - MYchildcare.ie

2010-02-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

Health chiefs were last night warned that children must not be pushed down the priority list after the threat of swine flu was blamed for one-third of creches and childcare facilities remaining uninspected last year

Read the full story here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/news15022010.asp

Hedley Park Montessori School

2010-02-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hedley Park Montessori School have joined MYchildcare.ie. Welcome to Ashley, Mairead and all the Team there.

Tantrums! The 1 2 3 of dealing with them

2010-02-10T13:59:00.001-08:00

Tantrums! The 1 2 3 of dealing with them written by our parent coach here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_feb2010_newsletter.asp

Ashvale Creche in Wicklow Town

2010-02-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

Ashvale Creche in Wicklow Town are now with MYchildcare.ie. Welcome to Riona and the team there. www.MYChildcare.ie

Chuckleberries Creche Group

2010-02-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

Chuckleberries Creche Group have created a suite of premium adverts on our MyHome.ie Services section. http://www.myhome.ie/home-services/childcare

Bright Horizons have created a suite of premium adverts on MyHome.ie Services

2010-02-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Bright Horizons have created a suite of premium adverts on our MyHome.ie Services section. http://www.myhome.ie/home-services/childcare

51,000 on list for free new pre-schooling scheme.

2010-02-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

51,000 on list for free new pre-schooling scheme. Full report http://www.mychildcare.ie/news07022010.asp

New FREE competition has begun on MyChildcare.ie

2010-02-02T14:11:00.001-08:00

New FREE competition has begun on MyChildcare.ie. Thanks to Puddleducks childrens clothing anyone who makes an enquiry to a childcare facility advertising on MYChildcare.ie gets entered into a free montly draw - no catch, no gimmicks - it's FREE! Have a look at www.mychildcare.ie/win.asp to find out more!

Thanks to Puddleducks.ie

www.MyChildcare.ie

New FREE competition has begun on MyChildcare.ie

2010-02-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

LittleOnes.ie are now listing on our suppliers directory

2010-02-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

The fabulous LittleOnes.ie are now advertising within our suppliers directory. You can visit their website at www.littleones.ie or view them at our suppliers directory here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/supplierdirectory.asp

Magic Academy After School Centre in Sandymount

2010-01-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

Magic Academy After School Centre in Sandymount are now advertising on MyChildcare.ie. Welcome to Frances and all the team there.

www.MyChildcare.ie

In my opinion: New scheme opens up an early education to all

2010-01-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

The significance of the Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) scheme, which is under way from this month, must not be underestimated. It is a ground-breaking development in the childcare sector and means that children in Ireland, regardless of their parents' income, are entitled to one year of pre-school education free.

Read the full article here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/news20012010.asp

Parents - want to get your way with childcare scheme? Get angry!!!

2010-01-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

I must admit I was enraged when I read the fine print on who would -- and would not -- get to go to preschool for free under the Early Childhood Care & Education scheme. My daughter, who turned five on January 10, is still in playschool. Yet, under the scheme she was too old to avail of free preschool. (To qualify, kids needed to be between three years, seven months and four years, ten months on January 1.)

Read the full article here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/news29012010.asp

The amazing Puddleducks Clothing for kids

2010-01-29T10:01:00.001-08:00

The amazing Puddleducks Clothing for kids are now advertising on the supplier directory of MyChildcare.ie. You can visit their site at www.puddleducks.ie and their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/puddleducks Welcome to MYchildcare.ie Aedan

Kilminchy School House in Portlaoise

2010-01-27T11:52:00.001-08:00

Kilminchy School House in Portlaoise are now advertising on MyChildcare.ie. Welcome to Sonya and everyone there. www.mychildcare.ie

Little Feat Creche in Clonskeagh Village

2010-01-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Little Feat in Clonskeagh Village are now advertising on MYchildcare.ie. Welcome to Nikki and the team there! www.MYChildcare.ie

PARENTS are still confused over their children's eligibility under the free pre-school scheme

2010-01-16T07:54:00.001-08:00

PARENTS are still confused over their children's eligibility under the free pre-school scheme, it was claimed last night, writes John Walshe.

The Children's Rights Alliance said it welcomed Minister Barry Andrew's decision to extend the registration period to January 29. However, it said some parents were still unsure about the scheme.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/news16012010.asp

Kidz First Crece in Kilbarrack Shopping Centre

2010-01-16T07:28:00.001-08:00

Kidz First Crece in Kilbarrack Shopping Centre are now advertising with us. Welcome to you and all there Sandra! www.mychildcare.ie

The Playhouse in Drogheda

2010-01-15T10:49:00.001-08:00

The Playhouse in Drogheda are now advertising on MyChildcare.ie. A big welcome to Gillian and all the crew there. www.MYChildcare.ie

Coco's Childcare in Blackrock

2010-01-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

Coco's Childcare in Blackrock are now advertising with MyChildcare.ie. Welcome to Loraine and the team there. http://www.mychildcare.ie

Parents - Out with the old & in with the new.

2010-01-11T11:43:00.001-08:00

Parents - Out with the old & in with the new. Parent Coach News latest: http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_jan2010_newsletter.asp

Giant Steps Pre-School in Leopardstown

2010-01-11T10:19:00.001-08:00

Giant Steps Pre-School in Leopardstown are now advertising with MyChildcare.ie! Welcome to Eimear and the team there.

2010-01-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Little Maples Creche & Pre School in Cabinteely are now advertising on MyChildcare.ie. Welcome to everyone there.

www.MyChildcare.ie

Breaking ECCE News. ECCE Scheme Deadline extended for parents

2010-01-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

THE GOVERNMENT has extended the deadline for parents to sign their children up for a year of free pre-schooling amid complaints from childcare operators of a slow uptake for the flagship scheme. Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews said yesterday he would give parents an extra week to sign up for the early childhood care and education scheme and would treat late applications flexibly. He also rejected criticism from childcare operators, who have accused the Government of dropping the ball by failing to properly advertise the scheme, which formally starts operating on Monday.

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.mychildcare.ie/news09012010.asp

ABC Montessori in Malahide

2010-01-09T01:53:00.000-08:00

ABC Montessori in Malahide are advertising on MyChildcare.ie. Welcome to everyone there! http://www.mychildcare.ie/displayproperty.asp?p=281

Moving house with a children?

2010-01-04T11:51:00.001-08:00

Moving house with a children? A new article from our parent coach right here for you: http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_movinghouse.asp

Suppliers to the Childcare Industry in Ireland

2010-01-04T11:30:00.001-08:00

A new section has opened on our website for suppliers to the childcare industry: http://www.mychildcare.ie/supplierdirectory.asp

A new Living section of MyHome.ie went live today.

2010-01-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

A new Living section of MyHome.ie went live today, fully powered by MyChildcare.ie! http://www.myhome.ie/residential/advice/living

Just4Kids Childcare in Cork are now advertising on Mychildcare.ie

2010-01-01T11:19:00.001-08:00

Just4Kids Childcare in Cork are now advertising on Mychildcare.ie. A big welcome to Dorota and the crew there. www.mychildcare.ie

Happy new year to all our followers

2009-12-31T03:12:00.001-08:00

Happy new year to all our followers, fans and people who just pop in to havea look! Thanks for your interest in MyChildcare.ie in 2009. We have more exciting things planned for 2010!
http://www.MyChildcare.ie

Creche attendance down among eight in 10 providers in 2009

2009-12-30T12:10:00.003-08:00

Creche attendance down among eight in 10 providers in 2009. See our news story for the full article: http://www.mychildcare.ie/news30122009_1.asp

No shortage of places for free year of pre-school.

2009-12-30T12:10:00.001-08:00

No shortage of places for free year of pre-school. This was a new article this week and you can see the full article right here on MyChildcare.ie: http://www.mychildcare.ie/news30122009.asp

2 brand new parenting articles exclusive to MyChildcare.ie from Marian Byrne are now available to read.

2009-12-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

2 brand new parenting articles exclusive to MyChildcare.ie from Marian Byrne are now available to read.

They are called "Effective Communication" and "Engaging Co-Operation" and you can view them from Marian Byrnes own section on our website.

http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach.asp

New ECCE Calculator now available on the website.See when your child qualifies for the scheme!

2009-12-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

New ECCE Calculator now available on the website.See when your child qualifies for the scheme!

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CALCULATOR

You're one in a million!!

2009-12-11T12:08:00.001-08:00

You're one in a million! Since we launched 10 months ago we have had a staggering 1 million page views and over 70,000 visits! Thanks so much for your interest and visits to MyChildcare.ie! View the stats here

ONE IN A MILLION!

Connolly Childrens Centre in The Coombe

2009-12-10T12:15:00.001-08:00

Connolly Childrens Centre in The Coombe have chosen MyChildcare.ie to advertise their services. A big welcome to Elise and the team there!

Press release about MyChildcare.ie and MyHome.ie joining forces to bring childcare searching to home buyers

2009-12-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

A press release went out today about MyChildcare.ie and MyHome.ie joining forces to bring childcare searching to home buyers.

You can view our press release here!

Further Details:

Children face a 'Black Christmas' as Lenihan slashes child benefit

2009-12-09T12:21:00.001-08:00

Children face a 'Black Christmas' as Lenihan slashes child benefit

Children face a 'Black Christmas' as Minister Lenihan slashes child benefit by 10% in the 2010 Budget. Family incomes are being attacked from every side in this Budget, but the Government has chosen to target children for the biggest cut of all. Parents' group PACUB is horrified by the Budget, and predicts that more and more families will fall into poverty as the new decade begins.

“This Government seems to have an obsessive need to cut child benefit,” says PACUB spokesperson, Treasa Dovander. “The very principle that they have chosen to go after our children while propping up Zombie banks sickens us to the core. Families have long memories and will not forgive this Government for making our children pay the price for the mistakes of the banks and developers. For the second time this year the Government is attacking families. Already we are to lose the Early Childcare Supplement, Child Benefit for 18 years olds and Mortgage Interest Relief, and pay more in taxes and levies. At the next election, Government parties will regret their actions today.”

For eight months PACUB has campaigned on behalf of families and explained the importance of child benefit. In October a petition signed by over 16,000 families was handed in calling on the Government to leave child benefit alone. Group members have protested, met with Minister Hanafin, and appealed to her face-to-face not to move ahead with this idea. Opposition parties support PACUB's arguments, and have produced Budget submissions that show how savings can be made without cutting child benefit. A joint press conference with OPEN, One Family, the Children’s Rights Alliance and the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) was held to demonstrate to the government how a cut, any cut would push families who are already struggling over the edge. They did not listen.

The Government has disregarded the thousands of worried voices of Irish families and moved ahead despite warnings that they will harm children and disadvantage families. How can the government claim to be protecting the vulnerable when they take an axe to child benefit?

“We dispute talk of the cost of living having fallen - we have seen increases in childcare costs in the past year,” says Ms Dovander. “We know that fees for doctors, dentists and health insurance have gone up. Many PACUB members say that their food bills are now starting to climb as well. A 10% cut will just strangle families struggling to survive. We also believe that this is just the start. If families take this without a fight, it will set a precedent, and there will be more cuts next year, and into the future as further savage budgets are promised.”

PACUB (Protest Against Child Unfriendly Budget) set out to give a voice to everyone who believed that the supplementary budget in April unfairly targeted families. On-line and paper petitions gave people the opportunity to be counted, and tell Brian Cowen to leave child benefit alone.

More information on PACUB - Protest Against Child Unfriendly Budget - can be found at www.childbenefit.info or on Facebook (search PACUB). Contact Carol/Candi/Treasa/ on 087-6753734 / 085-1289342/ 085-1096399 or on email via protest4childbenefit@gmail.com

Child benefit and welfare rates to be cut

2009-12-09T12:07:00.001-08:00

As you have now heard, Child benefit and welfare rates to be cut. More on MyChildcare.ie here: http://www.mychildcare.ie/budget2010.asp

Wee Care Day Nursery on Monkstown Avenue

2009-12-07T09:52:00.001-08:00

Wee Care Day Nursery on Monkstown Avenue are now advertising with MyChildcare.ie. Welcome to Caitriona and everyone there!

Apple Tree Creche & Montessori in Naas

2009-12-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

Apple Tree Creche & Montessori in Naas joined MyChildcare.ie today to promote their childcare business. Welcome to Sharon & the team there!

'Suffer little children’ – 10% cut is “merciless” says PACUB.

2009-12-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

'Suffer little children’ – 10% cut is “merciless” says PACUB. Budget Leak
http://www.mychildcare.ie/news01122009.asp

Brand New Partnership

2009-12-01T09:17:00.001-08:00

We can now announce our Brand New Partnership! We have teamed up with MyHome.ie and their all new website. Every property page of the new MYHOME.IE website has a "Childcare Search" powered by us here at www.MyChildcare.ie! You can search for childcare near any property you are interested in!

Some great new Parenting Articles on the site!

2009-11-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

Worried about what your kids are or are not eating. Another great article from Marian our parenting expert!
http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_foodforthought.asp
Putting the Sleep Back Into Bedtime! Our Parent Coach Marian Byrne has just wrote us a fantastic article for those sleep deprived parents. I know I can relate to it's contents so I hope you can too!http://www.mychildcare.ie/parentcoach_sleepbackintobedtime.asp

We had an advert in the Sunday Tribune

2009-11-29T11:56:00.001-08:00

We had an advert in the Sunday Tribune today for our website. I see some nice hits coming in this evening. Exciting Stuff!

Little Angels Playschool in Kells

2009-11-29T11:52:00.001-08:00

Little Angels Playschool in Kells have chosen MyChildcare.ie to advertise their facilities. Welcome to Louise and the crew there!

The guilt that can come with Childcare

2009-11-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

I wrote a little article for Dad.ie on the guilt that can come with Childcare, from my own experience. It basically pertains to childcare being a positive thing, but not a stronger influence then homelife on a child... so it's all good!

http://www.dad.ie/fatherhood.aspx