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What qualifications do your staff have?
At Butterflies Créche & Montessori, we take immense pride in our highly qualified and dedicated staff members who are committed to providing exceptional care and education to your child. We ensure that our team possesses the necessary qualifications and expertise to create a nurturing environment that supports your child's holistic development. Our carefully selected classroom assistants share a genuine interest in childcare and child development. Some staff members even hold degrees in other disciplines but have chosen to pursue rewarding careers in childcare with us.
All our classroom leaders at Butterflies Créche & Montessori have QQI Level 5/6/7 qualifications, and some hold Montessori diplomas. These esteemed qualifications equip them with the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to effectively support your child's growth and learning journey. Our commitment to quality extends to our classroom assistants, who undergo thorough background checks to ensure the utmost safety and security for your child.
Beyond their qualifications, our staff members at Butterflies Créche & Montessori bring a deep enthusiasm for childcare and a genuine interest in child development. They embody dedication, creativity, and compassion as they create a warm and engaging learning environment. Continuously enhancing their knowledge and staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices, our staff ensures that your child receives the highest standard of care and education.
At Butterflies Créche & Montessori, you can trust that our qualified staff members are driven by their passion for fostering the growth and well-being of your child. With their expertise, dedication, and genuine interest in childcare and child development, we provide a nurturing and enriching environment where your child can thrive. Rest assured, our team at Butterflies Créche & Montessori is fully committed to providing your child with exceptional care, education, and opportunities for exploration and development.
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03
What is the National Childcare Scheme?
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a recently implemented program designed to offer financial support to parents to help meet the expenses of childcare. As of 2023, the NCS replaces previous targeted childcare support programs and the universal childcare subsidy. It provides financial assistance for childcare hours outside of pre-school or school, aiming to alleviate the burden of childcare costs for families.
The NCS provides two types of childcare subsidies: a universal subsidy for children under 3 years, which is not means-tested, and an income-assessed subsidy for children up to 15 years, which considers the household's income level. The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program, offering care and education for pre-school children, will continue alongside the NCS and remains unaffected by the scheme's changes.
To qualify for the NCS, your child must be attending a registered childcare provider that holds a National Childcare Scheme contract with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Subsidies are paid directly to the childcare provider, and you, as the parent, are responsible for applying for the subsidy. Once approved, the subsidy amount will be deducted from your childcare bill.
Online applications for the NCS have been available since November 20, 2019. You can apply online by completing a form using your verified MyGovID. Alternatively, starting from January 2020, you have the option to apply using a paper form. Subsidy payments to childcare providers commenced on November 25, 2019. For more detailed information on Universal and Income Assessed subsidies, Frequently Asked Questions, and additional childcare schemes, refer to ncs.gov.ie
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) oversees the policy and legislation of the NCS, while the day-to-day management of the scheme is carried out by Pobal, the designated scheme administrator.
The National Childcare Scheme 2023 aims to provide much-needed financial support for parents in meeting childcare costs. By offering universal and income-assessed subsidies, the NCS ensures that families can access quality childcare while managing their expenses. Applying for the scheme is a straightforward process, and both online and paper applications are available. For further information, please consult ncs.gov.ie
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What is ECCE?
The ECCE programme (Early Childhood Care and Education) remains a universal offering available to all children within the eligible age range. This program aims to provide children with their initial formal experience of early learning before they commence primary school. Operating for three hours per day, five days a week, over 38 weeks per year, the ECCE programme follows the academic year from September to June. Enrolling in September marks the sole point of entry, ensuring a consistent start for all participants. Childcare services participating in the ECCE scheme are required to deliver an appropriate pre-school educational curriculum aligned with the principles of Síolta, the national framework for early years care and education.
Key Features of the ECCE Programme: The ECCE programme guarantees that every child within the eligible age range has the opportunity to engage in early learning. With a focus on providing a foundational educational experience, the programme offers three hours of daily care and education, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development. Available for 38 weeks each year, the ECCE programme serves as an essential stepping stone in a child's educational journey.
Principles and Quality Assurance: To ensure quality early education, childcare services participating in the ECCE programme must adhere to the principles outlined in Síolta, the national framework for early years care and education. This framework sets the standards for best practices, emphasizing holistic development, well-being, and educational enrichment.
Enrollment: Enrollment in the ECCE programme takes place at the beginning of the programme year in September. This single point of entry allows for a consistent start and ensures all children have equal access to the programme's benefits.
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How do I apply for ECCE?
To apply for the ECCE programme, you can directly contact Butterflies Creche. You can reach out to us by calling 086 6650166 or sending an email to sarah@butterfliescreche.com. The team at Butterflies Creche will guide you through the application process and provide you with the necessary information and forms to enroll your child in the ECCE programme.
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What are the fees?
For full-time care, our fees are calculated based on a 52-week period, taking holidays into consideration. You can find detailed information about our fees on our dedicated fees page. If you have any further inquiries regarding our fees, please don't hesitate to contact us at 086 6650166 or via email at sarah@butterfliescreche.com or charmaine@butterfliescreche.com. Our team will be happy to provide you with the necessary information and address any questions you may have.
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Can I get financial aid?
Refer to NCS - Question 2
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Do I need to pay for days my child is absent?
Payment is required, even if your child is absent for any reason. As all our places are reserved and staffed in advance, it is necessary to maintain the financial commitment for the booked sessions. Therefore, you are responsible for payment regardless of your child's absence.
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Are you closed at any time during the year?
Yes. We are closed for a week at Christmas , Bank Holidays & Holy Days.
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Is Butterflies insured?
Yes. Butterflies Creche is insured with Arachas Insurance, providing full public liability coverage for both our premises and the use of Butterflies Creche transport. Our insurance policy ensures comprehensive protection, giving you peace of mind regarding the safety and security of our facility and operations.
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If my child’s birthday falls on a care day, do you celebrate it?
Absolutely! We love celebrating birthdays at Butterflies Creche! If your child's birthday falls on a care day, please let us know in advance. We would be delighted to make their day extra special by acknowledging and celebrating their birthday within the class. Our team will ensure a joyful and memorable celebration for your child, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
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Do You Go Outside?
Absolutely! At Butterflies Creche, we prioritize outdoor play and recognize its immense benefits for children's development. We are fortunate to have a fantastic and secure playground right on our premises. Following the guidelines recommended by the HSE, we understand the importance of regular outdoor play. It not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also plays a significant role in developing essential motor skills and fostering social interactions among children. We strive to provide ample opportunities for our little ones to explore and enjoy the great outdoors in a safe and supervised environment.