This link also has a document which DCYA have published relating to Information and FAQs on COVID 19 Measures
for providers and staff of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services.
This document includes information for childminders. The FAQs below, are an extract from this document. Click the link to access the full document.
13. How will registered childminders who are still caring for children who are registered under ELC
and SAC programme be paid during this period?
Only centre based ELC and SAC services were directed to close on March 12. Childminders were
permitted to continue operating but strictly in adherence with HSE guidance regarding physical
distancing etc. The very small number of childminders that are still caring for children who are
operating under ELC and SAC programme will continue to be paid. Childminders should continue to
monitor and follow HSE advice and any instruction from Government or the National Public Health
Emergency Team.
14. Can childminders sign up for the WSCS?
As childminders are self-employed by definition then any childminder who had been operating DCYA
funded ELC and SAC programmes as of 12 March 2020 but no longer has children in attendance can
apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and other DEASP supports.
A childminder cannot receive WSCS payments at the same time as receiving payments under the ECCE,
NCS, CCSP, TEC or PUP.
15. What supports are available to childminders who have not been operating DCYA funded ELC &
SAC programmes as of 12 March 2020?
The WSCS is only available to those ELC and SAC services that have been operating DCYA funded ELC
& SAC programmes as of the 12 March 2020. However, childminders are self-employed and if they are
registered and tax compliant with Revenue but they no longer have children in their care, or any
income, they will be able to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 and other DEASP
supports.
Any childminder who had been operating DCYA funded ELC and SAC programmes as of 12 March 2020,
but no longer has children in attendance, can sign up for the Scheme.