Room                           Age group

Butterflies                    4 months - 1 year.
Ladybirds                     1-2 years.
Pandas                         2-3 years.
Ducks                           2 years 10 months - 4 years.
Swans                           4 - 5 years.
Wallabies                     3 - 5 years (ECCE Scheme).
Penguins                      3- 5 years (ECCE Scheme).
Cubs Cabin                  3 years 3 months - 5 years (ECCE Scheme).                              
Wise Owl                     School aged childcare.

Childcare- Making the Right Choice:
Children need a mix of caring and friendly adults who provide a warm, trusting and stimulating environment. 
Likewise, the physical environment itself will need to provide adequate space with equipment and materials.
  • Talk to parents who are presently using the crèche, find out how they feel about the service they receive each day.
  • Never underestimate your own gut instinct, if you are not comfortable in the centre it is wise to move on to another.
  • To ensure that you are making the right choice, below are some of the questions to ask when you are choosing the right childcare option for you and your family:

Staff & Regulations:

  • Who will be looking after my child ?
  •  Do the staff welcome and interact with the child when you are viewing the crèche?
  • Can I meet and spend some time with them?
  •  How long are they working in childcare / this crèche?
  • What is the rate of staff turnover in the crèche?
  •  What percentage of the staff are qualified?
  • Are the ratios of children to staff always covered ?
  • Is the crèche HSE notified?
  • Ask to view the most recent HSE report on this crèche.

Child Development:

  • Ask for details of the child development programme. 
  • Ask to see evidence that the programme is actually being implemented.
  • Will you have access to your child’s records and observations?
  • Does the setting hold parent teacher meeting and if so, how often?
  • What is the behaviour policy: how are children dealt with when they misbehave?
  • Is there a television in the crèche?

Security:

  • Is there a webcam available?
  • Can you log in directly using a secure password?
  • Are parents able to walk straight into the room unannounced and check on their child?
  • Does the premises have a secure access control system or are the public able to enter the crèche freely?

It is worth putting extreme effort into finding the right childcare for your child.
It may be the best investment you will make.