From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth 

Published on 21 March 2024

Last updated on 21 March 2024

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman, today launched the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2024 as part of the Government’s First 5 Strategy. The Minister has secured funding of €250,000, which will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs). From today, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this Initiative through their local CCC.

This year the emphasis will again be on supporting Parent and Toddler Groups that offer a welcome to Ukrainian families and to all families who are newly arrived in Ireland.

Following from the success of last year’s Grants, the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2024 will offer two streams of funding:

1. Funding of €800 for existing Groups and €1,000 for the establishment of new Groups.

2. Funding of up to €300 to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children. This stream is open to any existing or new organisations or Groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.

Conditions apply and the CCCs are available to discuss these with new and existing Groups. The contact details for all CCCs can be found on myccc.ie.

In announcing this year’s Parent and Toddler Group Grant Initiative Minister O’Gorman said;

“First 5 the whole of government strategy for under 6’s recognises children’s early years as a critical and distinct period to be enjoyed.

“My Department helps families to nurture babies and young children and support their development, with additional support for those who need it.

“Parent and Toddler Groups provide a great meeting place for parents and guardians with young children to relax and chat together in a supportive environment while children can play.

“I want to thank all the Groups that are offering a welcome and friendship to parents and children in their communities as well as those newly arrived to Ireland. I am delighted to be able to support this work.”

Some parents shared their experiences of Parent and Toddler Groups:

“Thanks to this children's club, my daughter very quickly adapted [to life in Ireland] and got used to the children, learned to play, make friends, share and much more. Since my daughter is only 2.5 years old, she does not attend full-time kindergarten; we, as parents, really like this type of children’s club. Once again I express my gratitude, you are the best!” - Parents from Lisdoonvarna Parent and Toddler Group.

“It is great to have this opportunity to contact with other families, chat with other parents and help our kids to learn how to play and communicate with each other.” - Parent from Lahinch Parent and Toddler Group

ENDS

Parent and Toddler Group Grant Funding is available for:

• Toys, equipment and books for indoor and outdoor activities, and children’s refreshments.
• Storage for equipment.
• Training for parents, e.g. paediatric first aid, committee skills, parenting courses, facilitate sessions.
• Promotional Leaflets including any required translations.
• Children’s activities, e.g. arts and crafts, music.
• Limited funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 50% of total funding for existing services.
• Limited funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 70% of total funding for new services and buggy walking groups.

The maximum allowable total funding to be granted to new and existing Parent and Toddler Groups in 2024 is €1,300.