Regulations requiring the registration of school-age childcare services came into effect earlier this week, on Monday, 18th February.
School-age childcare services have not, to date, been subject to registration, so this is a significant step forward in ensuring quality school-age childcare.
Childcare services for school-age children must now register with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Services that provide childcare for school-age children only must apply for registration by 18 May 2019 and are encouraged to start this process straightaway.
However, school-age services that are already registered with Tusla as pre-school services must apply for registration by 18 August 2019. New services must apply for registration at least 3 months before opening.
AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE SCHEME
Once registered, school age childcare services will be able to participate in the forthcoming Affordable Childcare Scheme launching in late 2019. This means families availing of these services will be able to access the financial benefits provided by the scheme.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
The Regulations that came into force this week are preliminary regulations. Later this year the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will embark on a public consultation process on the development of comprehensive regulations and national quality standards for school-age childcare.
Both the regulations and an explanatory guide are available on the Department’s website.
School-age childcare services can apply for registration online at www.tusla.ie.
If a school-age childcare service wants any support regarding the registration process, they should contact their local city/county childcare committee – visit www.myccc.ie
