About Us

Clare County Childcare Committee/ Coiste Curam Leanai Contae an Chláir

Established in January 2001 as one of the 33 County/City Childcare Committees that exist throughout the country in accordance with the Government’s co-ordinated strategy to develop quality childcare in Ireland. City/County Childcare Committees were established as a key element of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Mission Statement

“Clare County Childcare Committee will support the development of safe, nurturing and accessible care for all children so that individual choice and capabilities are respected”.

Ethos

“An ethos of mutual respect, collaboration, non-coercive dialogue and openness to change will pervade all childcare provision as well as informing the work of the Childcare Committee on behalf of all of our children.”

The Guiding Principles

• Underpinning the County Childcare Plan are the following principles:

• The needs and rights of children.

• Equal opportunities and equality of access and participation.

• Diversity.

• Partnership.

• Quality.

Our role

(a) In a consistent manner, act as the local agent of DCEDIY in the coordination and delivery of the national early education and childcare programmes and the implementation of Government policy at a local level

(b) Facilitate and support the development of quality, accessible Early Learning and Care (ELC), School Aged Childcare (SAC) and Childminding services for the overall benefit of children and their parents.

(c) Provide support and guidance to local ELC, SAC and Childminding service providers and parents in relation to the national childcare programmes and support the delivery of quality early learning and childcare in accordance with national frameworks and policy objectives.

(d) Facilitate the development of ELC, SAC and Childminding in a strategic and coordinated manner.

(e) Provide information and support to parents in relation to the provision of ELC, SAC and Childminding services within their CCC area.