The Cork County Childcare Committee

The Cork County Childcare Committee is a county-wide partnership, established in 2001 and funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, that works to raise the quality and accessibility of early years provision throughout Cork. It supports the administration of all government funding programmes for childcare and offers a one-stop resource hub for early-years services, childminders, and families.

For providers, the Committee delivers a range of professional development opportunities-including online courses on supporting neurodivergent children, using visual aids, and building positive parent partnerships-as well as guidance on governance, human-resources, financial sustainability and the latest policy updates from Tusla and the Minister for Children. Parents benefit from personalised assistance in finding suitable childcare and navigating relevant state-funded schemes. The Committee also curates useful tools such as Inclusion Coordinator posters, diversity and inclusion charter revisions, and links to research initiatives, ensuring that both practitioners and families stay informed and supported.