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• What is a Parent & Toddler Group?

• Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative NCIP 2006-2010

• Search for a Parent & Toddler Group in your area

Parent & Toddler Groups

A Parent & Toddler Group is a group of parents/carers and their children that meet regularly in a suitable location, for example, a community centre, parish or sports hall. While these groups are great for giving the children an opportunity to play and socialise in a safe environment supervised by their parents, they are also very beneficial for the parents/carers who get to meet others in similar circumstances that live in their area. They provide a great support network where parents have an opportunity to share their experiences and advice.

Parent & Toddler groups are also effective in providing a stepping stone for children preparing to go to pre-school as they become comfortable socialising with other children outside their home environment.

If you are interested in joining a Parent & Toddler Group in your area please click on the relevant section.

For more detailed information on Parent and Toddler Groups and how to set one up please click www.ippa.ie/parents.htm and scroll down to their Parent, Baby & Toddler Groups section. IPPA has produced a Handbook for Committees of Parent, Baby & Toddler groups. Please contact IPPA on 01 463 0010 for a copy.

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Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative NCIP 2006-2010

Building on the success of the Parent & Toddler Group Initiative in 2007/2008, (a strategic partnership between the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) and the Katharine Howard Foundation (KHF) under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010) grants were awarded to 837 groups throughout the country. The Initiative developed a support and information strategy, in collaboration with the City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), to assist the promotion and expansion of Parent and Toddler Groups.

The City and County Childcare Committees have taken over the administration of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative. If you are in the South Dublin area and are looking to either set up a Parent & Toddler Group or would like to enquire about this funding please contact our office.

Please click here to download a Parent and Toddler Group grant application form

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