This Weeks News & Information Bulletin
Click HERE for this week in Childcare Bulletin
Deadlines/Important Dates:
-
..
Expression of Interest now open for CLIL/FCÁT 2026
Better Start is inviting Early Learning and Care settings to take part in introducing Irish as part of the daily routine through the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) / Foghlaim Chomhtháite Ábhar agus Teanga (FCÁT) programme. This approach supports children to encounter Irish naturally through meaningful everyday experiences — including routines, stories, play, exploration, and social interaction.
To register your interest: Click here Closing date 06 February 2026
For more information contact: professionaldevelopment@betterstart.ie
Early Years e-Bulletin Winter Edition
The e-Bulletin includes updates from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Pobal, and Tusla. To access the e-Bulletin click HERE
Tusla Dedicated Contact Points
The Dedicated Contact Points (DCP) have changed to reflect new structures and networks within Tusla. Some old DCP numbers may remain in use until all changes have been finalised. The DCP’s for Cork are: Cork North-West & Cork East 021-4927000
Cork South West 021-4923001
North Cork – Kerry 064-6678065
Cork North – South Tipperary 052-6177302
The full contact details for DCP’s at county level can be found here.
Role of the Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) Posters
The most up to date versions of the Role of the Inclusion Coordinator posters can be accessed on the following links:
Parent & Toddler Group Grants 2026
DCDE has announced the launch of the 2026 Parent and Toddler (P&T) Grant. This year the focus for the 2026 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups in providing assistance to young parents and children in establishing connections and to promote the inclusion of families from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures.
The closing date for receipt of complete applications from Parent & Toddler groups is Friday 20th February 2026. For a Grant Application Form please contact us at 022-23880 or codriscoll@corkchildcare.ie.
Core Funding Year 4 (2025/26) Financial Management Tool
The Financial Management Tool Year 4 (2025/2026) is now available on the Hive under Resources - Core Funding Documents and can be found here.
Training Courses
Cork County Childcare Committee Training
Always Children First: Child Safeguarding Awareness Training for Organisations (Foundation Level)
Charleville Park Hotel, Charleville 09:30-16:30, Saturday 14 February
Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, 09:00 – 16:00, Saturday 28 February
Maritime Hotel, Bantry, 14:00 - 17:00, Wednesday 04 & 11 March
Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, 09:00 – 16:00, Saturday 07 March
Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, Blarney 09:30 – 16:30, Saturday 21 March
Clonakilty Park Hotel, Clonakilty, 09:30 – 16:30, Saturday 18 April
Each participant must complete both the universal 'Children First E-learning Programme' and the 'Mandated Persons' E-learning Programme (available on the Tusla website and links below) prior to attending the course.
Universal E-Learning: Children First E-Learning ProgrammeTusla - Child and Family Agency
Mandated Persons E-Learning: Children First: Mandated Person Role and Responsibilities | Rise 360
Aim Level 1 2025
It is still possible for services with new and existing Graduates of LINC to submit your AIM Level 1 application. As AIM Level 1 is an annual application, all services who currently have a qualified LINC Graduate as an Inclusion Coordinator and have not submitted an AIM Level 1 2025 application are encouraged to apply for the 2025/2026 programme call. AIM level 1 funding will commence from the Monday following approval of your application. Applications must be submitted via the Early Years HIVE portal. Applicant guidelines can be found here.
Tusla Update
Tusla have updated Policy Guidance Documents for the Early Years Sector on their website. The documents can be access from Early Years Provider Resources page or directly on the new Policy Guidance Documents for the Early Years Sector page. There is an updated and revised A Practical Guide to Developing Policies, Procedures and Statements in Early Years Services
New action plans for the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Sector
Two new action plans for the early learning and care and school-age childcare sector have been published by Minister Foley. The ‘Shaping the Future: Early Years Action Plan’ commits to actions in 2026 to make services more affordable, accessible and improve quality.
The ‘Simplify and Support: Action Plan for Simplification’ will streamline administration and regulation, helping providers, educators, practitioners and parents navigate the system more easily.
ECCE Split Place Exemptions
Split place exemptions will no longer be available from the beginning of 2026/2027 ECCE programme year. Those that have already been granted a split place exemption for the current 2025/2026 programme year can continue to use the provision for their second year of ECCE.
New action plans for the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Sector
Two new action plans for the early learning and care and school-age childcare sector have been published by Minister Foley. The ‘Shaping the Future: Early Years Action Plan’ commits to actions in 2026 to make services more affordable, accessible and improve quality.
The ‘Simplify and Support: Action Plan for Simplification’ will streamline administration and regulation, helping providers, educators, practitioners and parents navigate the system more easily.
Designated Liaison Person and Deputy Designation Liaison Person Training
Dunmanway County Childcare Committee Office, Dunmanway, (P47 E271), 09:30 – 13:00, Saturday 14 March
Springfort Hall Hotel, Mallow, (P51 YP96), 09:30 – 13:00, Saturday 25 April
Participants must have attended Always Children First: Foundation Training and must complete the Always Children First DLP eLearning module, which forms Part A of this training, prior to attending the Always Children First DLP Training in-person workshop.
The training is available by following this link: https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/organisations/appointing-a-designated-liaison-person/ The DLP eLearning module should be completed within two weeks of the in-person workshop.
For further information and to book a place please contact the office on 022-23880 or email cptraining@corkchildcare.ie
My Future Funds Pension Scheme
Auto-enrolment for the My Future Funds pension scheme commenced on 1 January 2026. A recording of the EY My Future Funds webinar for the ELC and SAC sector is available here.
Tusla Dedicated Contact Points
The Dedicated Contact Points (DCP) have changed to reflect new structures and networks within Tusla. Some old DCP numbers may remain in use until all changes have been finalised.
The DCP’s for Cork are:
Cork North-West & Cork East 021-4927000
Cork South West 021-4923001
North Cork – Kerry 064-6678065
Cork North – South Tipperary 052-6177302
The full contact details for DCP’s at county level can be found here.
Cork County Childcare Committee was formed in 2001 and is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to improve the quality of childcare in Cork County.
In addition to supporting the administration of all Government funding programmes for childcare; City and County Childcare Committees work with early childhood services and childminders looking for support with quality development, HR, governance, financial sustainability and continuing professional development.
We also work with Parents to locate childcare best suited to their families needs, and advise on relevant government funded schemes etc.
