The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provides Childminding Development Grants of up to €1,000 to those who provide or intend to provide a childminding service in the childminder’s own home. You may apply for a grant every two years to purchase equipment or make small home modifications for your service.
The Childminding Development Grant is now closed for 2022. The application process usually begins each year in June, with a closing date of mid-July.
We will update this page with details of the 2023 Childminding Development Grant, once we receive them. If you have any questions about this grant please email us on
Childminding Development Grant Criteria
- A childminder who is:
a) Providing an existing childminding service carried out in the Childminder’s home
OR
b) Proposing a new childminding service to be carried out in the Childminder’s home - A childminder who provides/proposes to provide childminding services (not including childminders own children) for at least:
a) 3 children on a part time basis
OR
b) 1 child on a full-time basis and 1 child on a part time basis - Must provide evidence of appropriate insurance (must show valid insurance period). If you do not already have childminding insurance, you can access discounted childminding insurance through membership of Childminding Ireland. Please click here to join.
- Must provide evidence of Tusla Children First E-Learning programme. This can be accessed here. This programme takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and you will receive a certificate on completion.
- Required to operate as a childminder for a minimum of two years following receipt of the grant.