Childminding's role in early childhood education and care. Creating societal awareness

Abstract

In 2023, Childminding emerged as a central topic of discussion within the context of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Ireland. Recent increases in financial subsidies for families opting for Tusla registered ECEC provision, has influenced increased discourse regarding childminders’ potential role in offering government supports to families (Childminding Ireland 2023; McQuinn 2023). Furthermore, there has also been a growing emphasis on the forthcoming regulations for Childminding. With the anticipated introduction of these regulations in 2024, it becomes imperative to cultivate public awareness about the nature of Childminding and, more significantly, what it entails. This article defines the uniqueness of Childminding while examining the argument for the need to consider Childminders as equal partners in ECEC provision within Ireland.