Dublin City Childcare Committee - Dublin.ie

December 2005
Volume 3,
Issue 4
CONTENTS:
DCCC
Sth Central LCRC
1
Men In Childcare 2
3
DCCC Launch 4
DC Enterprise
Board
Regeneration
& DC Focus
Group
5
6
Media Briefing 7
What’s
Happening
8
Members of the Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd with
Dublin City Lord Mayor, Councillor Catherine Byrne at the Manson House
December 2005
Nollaig mhór mhaith & Bliain mhaith nua,
le gach dea ghuí ó
Choiste Cúraim Leanaí Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath Teo.
Should you require
additional copies of
the
Dublin City
Childcare
Committee Ltd.
Newsletter, to make
them available to
parents of your
childcare facility ,
please let us know.
Your Plan — Your Future
We want to hear
from you!
Contact Us:
Dublin City Childcare
Committee Ltd,
c/o Block 4, Floor 1,
Dublin City Council,
Wood Quay,
Dublin 8.
or check us out on
www.childcareonline.ie
Wishing you a Happy Christmas & Peaceful New Year,
from Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd.
Dublin City Childcare Committee’s 3rd Area Local Resource
Centre office officially opened in Dublin South Central
Childcare Information Bureau Management Committee with Members of the
Board of Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd at the official opening.
South Central Area Childcare
Resource Centre
Childcare Information
Bureau
4 Innishmore House
St Agnes’ Road
Crumlin
Dublin 12
T: 456 3487
South Central Area Includes;
Chapelizod, Cherry
Orchard, Decies, Drumfinn,
Inchicore, Kilmainham,
Kylmore, Crumlin,
Kimmage, Terenure,
Walkinstown, Merchants
Quay, Ushers, Phoenix
Park.
This project was supported and part-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union Structural Funds under the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006.

Page 2
Dublin City Childcare Committee
Second Annual
Men in Childcare Conference
Dublin North Central
Area Childcare Resource
Centre
Childcare Bureau
Unit 8, Northside Enterprise
Centre
Bunratty Drive,
Coolock
Dublin 17
T: 867-5244
F: 867-5292
E: info@childcarebureau.ie
North Central Area
Includes
• Beaumount
• Kilmore
• Priorswood
• Clontarf
• Gracepark
• Ayrfield
• Edenmore
• Grange
• Harmonstown
• Raheny
DCCC Ltd. Would
like to welcome onboard
our new staff
member
Carol Ingoldsby.
Carol’s role is that of
Administrator to the
City Childcare
Committee.
‘Men in Childcare’:
Conference addressing the Importance of Male contribution
in the Development of Children
The second annual Men in
Childcare conference was
held in the Gresham Hotel,
Dublin on 27th October
2005. The low number of
men working in childcare in
Ireland was the topic of the
conference entitled ‘Gender
Delegates at the Second Annual Men in Childcare Conference
and Caring - Men in
Childcare’
The day long event, focused on the importance of men in childcare and their
contribution to early childhood development.
Recent research shows that men make up only 1% of the total number working
in childcare in Ireland. This conference organised by the nationwide Men in
Childcare Network aimed to
• Offer support to the few men working within the childcare sector
• Raise awareness of why it is important to increase the number of
Men in Childcare in Ireland
Increase representation of Men in Childcare.
This conference brought together a range of national and international speakers
who addressed the positive aspects of men working in Childcare. The keynote
speaker at the conference was Peter Moss, Professor in Early Childhood
Provision and Executive Head at the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute
of Education in London. Professor
Moss who is a world leading
authority on gender issues in care
professions stressed the importance
of the influence of the male on childhood
development.
Erik Haughlund, Norway; Peter Moss, UK & Jan
Pettersen, Ireland; speakers at the second
Annual MIC Conference

Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd.
Page 3
Second Annual
Men in Childcare Conference
Mr. Jan Pettersen, a lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Dublin Institute
of Technology and spokesman for the Men in Childcare Network
speaking before the conference said:
“... However, the Men in Childcare network is concerned about the complete
lack of a male presence in the life of young children and we feel that these
children are losing out on vital early learning experiences, particularly in relation
to outdoor and more physical activities that women traditionally tend
to opt out of. The network is for that reason aiming to put the focus on this
issue for the benefit of children. This second annual conference on Gender
and Care will showcase a number of recent Irish research projects drawing
attention to the situation for male practitioners in the Early Years sector. In
addition, it will give an impression of what the situation is in other countries
in Europe and why some countries believe it is vital to bring gender balance
into Early Years services, while Ireland is struggling to face up to these issues.”
The conference was attended by almost 80 delegates, over half of whom
were men. The conference received a lot of media attention ranging from radio
interviews, newspaper articles to television news coverage. Dublin City,
Kilkenny, Waterford County, Waterford City and South Tipperary Childcare
Committees Ltd provided
funding for the
conference. The third
annual Men in Childcare
conference will be
held in Waterford next
year.
Damien Wedge & Kelda Barnes attending the MIC Conference
South Central Area
Childcare Resource
Centre
Childcare Information
Bureau
Childcare Information
Bureau
4 Innishmore House
St Agnes’ Road
Crumlin
Dublin 12
T: 456 3487
South Central Area
Includes
• Chapelizod
• CherryOrchard
• Decies
• Drumfinn
• Inchicore
• Kilmainham
• Kylmore
• Crumlin
• Kimmage
• Terenure
• Walkinstown
• Merchants Quay
• Ushers
• Phoenix Park
Nuala, Cindy & Carol would like to
take this opportunity to wish you a
Nollaig mhór mhaith & Bliain
mhaith nua, le gach dea ghuí

Page 4
DCCC Launch Research & Booklet
Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd.
North West Area
Childcare
Resource Centre
Lisa Walsh
c/o
Ballymun Partnership
North Mall
Ballymun Town Centre
Dublin 11
T: 842-3612
F: 842-7004
E:
lisawalsh@ballymun.org
North West Area
Includes
• Ballymun
• Whitehall
• Ballygall
• Finglas
DCCC Publications
Available
Childcare Workers: Launch of
documents on the Rights and
Entitlements of Childcare
Workers and Human Resource
Practises in the Childcare
Sector.
Two key documents were
launched on the 1st of December
highlighting the need for
standards, in the context of pay Leag Winder from the Larkin Childcare Centre D3
and conditions, in the Childcare
Sector. The documents entitled ‘A Study of HR Practises in the Childcare
Sector 2005’ and ‘Childcare Workers: Rights and Entitlements in the
Workplace’ were unveiled at The Mansion House, Dublin 2, by Lord Mayor
Cllr. Catherine Byrne. Dublin City Childcare
Committee worked alongside Dublin Inner
City Partnership to produce both studies
The aim of both of these documents is to work
as a tool in addressing these issues by providing
easily accessible information for Childcare
Workers and Providers.
Nuala Nic Giobúin of Dublin City Childcare
Committee says, “The purpose of the
publications is to support all childcare workers
and providers by making available information
on employment rights and entitlements in the
Barbara Keogh Congress &
workplace and providing it to all working in the
Nuala Nic Giobúin DCCC
sector.’
According to Nuala ‘ Dublin City Childcare Committee, firmly believes this
launch is a positive step in the standardisation of Childcare HR Practises. We
believe the publication of these
documents will aid in the
encouragement and support of all
those working in childcare and
increased professionalism of the
sector.’
Copies of both documents are available from the
Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd.
T: 222 3073 E:dccc@dublinctiy.ie
Attendees at DCCC Publications Launch 1stDecember

Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd.
Dublin City Enterprise Board
Page 5
support to Childcare Businesses
Dublin City Enterprise Board is the state
agency that assists start-up and micro
businesses employing up to ten people in
Dublin City. Its area is the same as that
of Dublin City Council. There are 35
County & City Enterprise Boards in total.
Photo: Greg Swift (CEO, Dublin City Enterprise Board) Michael Martin, Minister of
Enterprise Trade & Employment, Eibhlin Curley (Assistant CEO, Dublin City
Enterprise Board)
Dublin City Enterprise Board helps its qualifying clients with financial assistance
such as grants. Private childcare providers can apply for employment
grants of €7,500 per new employee. The Board runs Start Your Own Business
workshops and training programmes as well as providing management and
business skills training courses. A business mentoring service is provided. The
Enterprise Network for Women is a great opportunity to meet other women
who have either set up their own business or are thinking of setting up in business.
The network meetings feature guest speakers to discuss their experience
in business. Previous speakers include Norman Hewson and Denis O’Brien.
The network is a perfect forum to exchange ideas, build up your contact base
and create new alliances as well as promote your own business and ideas.
Visitors are always welcome. The Network meets once a month, on the 2nd
Monday of each month. For further information contact: Eibhlin Curley, Assistant
Chief Executive,
Dublin City Enterprise Board,
17 Eustace Street, Temple Bar.
T: 01 677 6068
W:www.dceb.ie
The Dublin City Childcare Focus Group
have produced a leaflet entitled
Parental Participation in Childcare
Practical Ideas for
Parents & Providers
The Leaflet is available in 8
Languages;
English, Irish, Romanian, Afikaan, Chinese,
Russian, French & Yoruba.
Log on to
www.dublin.ie
and set up a free
email address;
yourname@dublin.ie
Develop your own
Website for free
through
www.dublin.ie
Log on & follow
details for
Site Builder
Check out information
about childcare,
on the web
www.childcareonline.ie
Copies are available free to you by contacting ;
Dublin City Focus Group
T:222 3259
E: communityforum@dublincity.ie

Page 6
Regeneration
What About My Generation!
Dublin City Childcare Committee
A new model for better outcomes for children &
young people in Ballymun
Minister Noel Ahern T.D., Broadcaster & and mother of five
Brenda Power and Mountjoy Governor John Lonergan with the
Ballymun Partnership presented a childhood development
seminar in the Axis centre Ballymun on Thurs 11th of November
2005. Minister Noel Ahern opened the seminar and
launched a report that focuses on the need for cooperation between
agencies to promote childhood development. Brenda
Power chaired the packed meeting that included speakers from
Barnardos, National Children’s Nursery Association, Irish Preschool
& Playgroups Association, DCCC, D.I.T and the Local
Ballymun Aisling Project.
The seminar succeeded in highlighting that childcare and child
Minister Noel Ahearn with Robert & Declan Fitzpatrick
development are everyone’s business with early and sustained
intervention the key to a happy family life and peaceful communities.
John Lonergan supported the event by addressing the audience on the topic of what the future may hold for the current and
future generations of Ballymun. He spoke with unequalled insight about his
experience as a prison governor in Mountjoy prison and about his hopes and fears for the futures of
vulnerable children.
The idea of a new model was discussed and encouraged a lively debate as the speakers formed a panel which allowed for
questions and answers from an audience of representatives from many fields.
Government departments, local parents, childminders, community and statutory agencies and other
interested parties were represented and participated in the discussion.
Are you interested in Joining the Dublin City Childcare Focus Group
For details of Aims and objectives & Membership,
please contact us;
Dublin City Focus Group T:222 3259
C/o Dublin Community Forum F: 222 2162
Civic Offices, Block 4 Floor 1 E: communityforum@dublincity.ie
Wood Quay, Dublin 8
W:www.dublin.ie/childcarefocusgroup
Would you like to Accredit Childcare Work Experience
Would you be interested in having workplace Learning accredited
It is now possible to accredit Previous non–formal Learning experiences including work based learning!
This provides exciting opportunities in Childcare for providers, employees & Trainers and Educators
A unique & innovative Accredited programme offered by Empower and WIT on the Process of recognising Prior
Learning is commencing on the 24th January @ Bewleys Hotel, Newlands Cross for 4 consecutive Tuesdays
To view more detail log onto www.empowertraining.ie

Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd.
DCCC Media Briefing: Childcare Basics
December 2005
Page 7
Childcare Basics: Briefing in Advance of
Budget Day 2005
Chairperson Carmel Brennan & Executive Chair Bernadette O
Donoghue at the Mansion House December 2nd.
Dublin: 2nd December 2005. In advance of Budget Day, the
Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd. (DCCC) presented
background information on Childcare Basics at the Mansion
House. The briefing covered the numbers of children in need
of childcare, the costs involved in providing childcare and the
issue of equity in relation to childcare .
In Dublin City, there are 28,000 children under 5 years and 75,000 under 14 . Given the national figure of 50% employment
of women, it is fair to suggest that half of these children have working mothers. There are currently 7,900 centre based
childcare places registered in the city. The remainder, 80% of children, are cared for by childminders or relatives in the
home. This figure reflects the OECD ratio of 80:20.
Childcare is a labour intensive sector. The labour cost of full-time childcare in a facility with a ratio of 3 babies to 1 staff
member is €233 per child. This is a labour only figure and overheads such as the cost of rent or a mortgage in Dublin need to
be added to this figure. This additional cost could be averaged at €123.50 per child.
The average cost of a childcare place in Dublin is E185 per week while Child Benefit payment is E141.60 per month. The
Health Services Executive states that “the system must respond to people’s needs rather than have access dependent on
geographic location or ability to pay”.
Speaking at the Briefing, DCCC Executive Chair, Bernadette O’Donoghue said, ‘80% of Dublin’s children are in
informal childcare being looked after by relatives, neighbours, childminders etc. Availability of Informal Childcare is
shrinking as these people return to regulated work. As a result the demand for formal childcare will continue to increase.’
‘Capital investment has been the preferred type of investment by the Government in this sector but sustainable
investment is what is required. Childcare as an early intervention yields a high return , lessening the need for social welfare,
justice, health and remedial education in later years,’ she concluded.
Chair of DCCC, Carmel Brennan said, ‘The playing field needs to be levelled when it comes to childcare. At the
moment those who are most in need childcare are unable to afford it. Childcare, to become affordable, needs to be
subsidised . It is a labour intensive sector with low profit margins and costs simply cannot be driven down.’
The Board of the Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd. would like to extend our thanks to 2 board members who have resigned their position
on DCCC Ltd. Noreen Byrne & Breda Kenny both represented Local
Development Partnership Companies, their input to the Board & Strategic Objectives have been most valuable to the continued development
of the childcare sector. We wish them well and we are sure our paths will cross again!

Page 8
Dublin City Childcare Committee Ltd.
Dublin City
Childcare Committee Ltd
Dublin City Council,
c/o Block 4, Floor 1, Civic Offices,
Wood Quay,
T: 01 222 3073
F: 01 222 2162
E: dccc@dublincity.ie
W: www.childcareonline.ie
Board Members:
Brian Allen
Sharon Byrne
Monica Cassidy
Catherine Collins
Anne Conroy
Rachel Devlin
Colman Duggan
Peter Finnegan
Barbara Coates
Mary Mc Guane
Debbie Mullen
Bernie Tiernan
Patricia Tobin
Carmel Brennan (Chairperson)
Bernadette O’Donoghue
(Executive Chairperson)
Your Plan — Your Future
We want to hear
from you!
Contact Us:
Dublin City Childcare
Committee Ltd,
c/o Block 4, Floor 1,
Dublin City Council,
Wood Quay,
Dublin 8.
or check us out on
www.childcareonline.ie
Training Opportunities commencing January 2006.
IPPA– The Early Childhood Organisation
Childcare & Technology – this module has been designed to provide learners with
an understanding of, and practical experience in, the use of common applications
(Word Processing & File Management/Internet & Email/Computer & Technology
around Children). Learners will explore the legislative and ethical issues relevant
to use of Information Technology in a child-centred environment for both adults
and children.
Award: IPPA/FETAC Level 5 - Certificate of Achievement
Cost: This course is part funded through the FAS Competency Development Programme.
To be eligible under this programme you must be legitimately employed
within the childcare sector and not in receipt of FAS training allowances (C.E. or
J.I.) or Social Welfare. To secure this funding you will be required to complete a
FAS registration form which will include employers details (name/address/ tax
registered no.) The funded cost of this course to those eligible is €147.00.
Should you not be eligible the full cost of the course is €366.50.
Venue: Bolbrook Enterprise Centre, Avonmore Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Duration: 40 hours
For application form pleasecontact Jacinta Sheerin
Email: jsheerin@ippa.ie Tel: 01 4630039
Occupational First Aid – the aim of this module is to equip the learner with the skills
and knowledge necessary to provide and co-ordinate first aid in the workplace.
Successful candidates will receive an Occupational First Aid Certificate recognised
by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Award: IPPA/FETAC Level 5 – Certificate of Achievement
Cost: This course is part funded through the FAS Competency Development Programme.
To be eligible for this programme you must be legitimately employed
within the childcare sector and not in receipt of FAS training allowances (C.E. or
J.I.) or Social Welfare. To secure this funding you will be required to complete a
FAS registration form which will include employers details (name/address/ tax registered
no.) The funded cost of this course to those eligible is €147.00. Should
you not be eligible the full cost of the course is €366.50
Venue: Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9
Duration: 3 days – Friday 13rh Jan, Saturday 14 th Jan and Saturday 21 st Jan
9.30am-4.30pm
For application form please contact Jacinta Sheerin
CHRISTMAS PARTY INVITATION
Dublin North West Childminders Network
15th December Christmas Party 2005
Dublin North West Resource Centre
Ballymun Partnership
Ballymun Shopping Centre
Dublin 11
Entertainer 3oc – 5oc
(please call us to let us know if it would be more convenient to arrive a little earlier as we understand that people
have school runs and other obligations)
For More Details Contact Lisa Walsh Dublin Northwest Resource Centre 842 3612
This project was supported and part-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union Structural Funds under the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006.