Childcare Support
Our Mission Statement
We aim to provide a creative, caring, stimulating and safe environment with an emphasis on education, development of social skills and encouragement of independence and to provide children with key experiences which will afford them a positive, safe and enriching childhood
The Childcare Facility was first set up in 1985 to support women who wished to take part in training and adult education opportunities within Women’s Community Projects. Today the Childcare Facility supports students, employees and families in the Community. It receives funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Social Protection.
Ages and Services available
We cater for children from 2 years to 12 years and have one Crèche, 4 Preschool groups and an After school /Out of school group.
Crèches
The Crèche caters for children from 2 to 3 years.
Pre-schools
Pre-school caters for children from 2 years and 8 months to 5 years.
After-school
The after-school service caters for children from school going age to 12 years.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on play and learning through play, which encourages the child to learn at their own pace and to express themselves creatively through music, dance and arts and crafts. The children’s physical, emotional and intellectual well-being is nurtured within a warm, safe and friendly environment.
Our curriculum also works under the guidelines of Aistear and Siolta Standards and Principles.
Healthy Ireland Smart Start
Our Preschool was awarded the HISS (Healthy Ireland Smart Start) award in 2022. This Pre-school Health Promotion training programme is the result of over a decade of collaboration led by the HSE Department of Health Promotion and Improvement in partnership with National Childhood Network, to ensure children in the pre-school settings are supported to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours in early childhood.
There are 5 pillars in which the validated preschool must meet certain requirement which include:
Health Promotion, Emotional Well-Being, Physical Activity, Nutrition & Oral Health.
Our curriculum encompasses each of these aspects daily through our healthy homecooked menu and our emergent and planned activities with the children.
Outdoor Play Area
Our outdoor play area is equipped to a high standard with age appropriate play equipment. Children are given the opportunity to be creative and imaginative while developing physical, social and intellectual skills. Our outdoor area includes an outdoor kitchen, farmyard, physical activity equipment and rest areas.
Schemes Available
THE NATIONAL CHILDCARE SCHEME (NCS)
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) was introduced in November 2019 to provide financial support for parents towards the cost of childcare.
There are two types of childcare subsidy for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age:
- A universal subsidy which is not means tested.
- An income-assessed subsidy which is means tested.
Your child must be attending a childcare provider who is registered with Tusla (including childminders and school-age childcare services) and has a National Childcare Scheme contract with the Department of Childcare and Youth Affairs.
Subsides are paid directly to your childcare provider, however you must apply for the subsidy yourself. Your provider then subtracts your subsidy from your childcare bill.
Parents can apply online by visiting https://www.mygovid.ie/
Once the parent has received their CHICK number and their subsidy details they should contact a member of management.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION SCHEME (ECCE)
The ECCE programme is a universal programme available to all children within the eligible age range. It provides children with their first formal experience of early learning prior to commencing primary school. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year and the programme year runs from September to June each year. Children can join the ECCE programme in September, providing they meet the eligibility criteria required. Childcare services taking part in the ECCE scheme must provide an appropriate pre-school educational programme which adheres to the principles of Síolta, the national framework for early years care and education.
Women’s Community Projects (Mullingar) Association CLG
Our Childcare facility participates in the national Childcare Scheme (NCS)
Our Childcare facility participates in the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE)
For Further Information on our Parent Statement for Partner Services please follow this Link
For further details contact: the Childcare Manager at vwalsh@wcpmullingar.ie or 044 93 44863
| Session Type | Cost per week | ECCE available |
| Full Day | €180 (44 hours per week) | YES |
| Part-Time | €90 (20 hrs per week) | YES |
| Stay and Play | €124.50 (30 hrs per week) | YES |
| Sessional | €65 (15 hours per week) | YES |
| Half Session | €55 (10 hours per week) | NO |
Since October 2019, Childcare supports are available under the National Childcare Scheme.
Applications should be made online at ncs.gov.ie.
To apply online you will need:
- A verified MyGovID account;
- Your children’s information such as date of birth and PPS number;
- Your employment and income related details;
- Your partner’s PPS number;
- Your partner’s employment and income related details.
More information on getting and using a verified MyGovID is available on the MyGovID website.
Please note that a paper-based application is also available. You can apply by post by contacting the National Childcare Scheme Parent Support Centre.
Alternatively, you can call +353 1 906 8530 (between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday) or email them on NCS@dcya.gov.ie.
Please note that these applications will take longer to process and may affect the start date from which your subsidy can be paid.
You can find more information on ncs.gov.ie and on the NCS document.
