A Parent and Toddler Group is an informal group within the local community, which provides an opportunity for young children and their parents or carers to meet. Parent and Toddler Groups can be a great way of meeting other people with children the same age as yours in your area. While these were traditionally aimed at parents, they can include childminders, grandparents and other guardians.

First 5 , the whole-of-government ten-year strategy aims to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. First 5 recognises children’s early years as a critical and distinct period to be enjoyed. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth helps families to nurture babies and young children and support their development, with additional support for those who need it. Parent and Toddler Groups provide a great meeting place for parents and guardians with young children to relax and chat together in a supportive environment while their children play.

There are over five hundred active Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide, contact details for active groups in your area can be found here.

To find out more about other early learning and childcare supports, please visit: www.gov.ie/childcare

For more information on setting up a Parent and Toddler Group, please contact a member of our team in the Longford CCC on 043 33 42505.

The DCDE Parent and Toddler Page can be found here.

Review of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative

This report provides a review of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative. The review was carried out by Sandra Roe Research on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

The Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative was first introduced under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 by the then Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and other stakeholders. Its aim was to support the growth and development of parent and toddler groups across the country. Since its introduction, the Initiative has been rolled out on an annual basis. The Grant provides funding to not-for-profit groups that involve parents/guardians taking part in community-based activities with their children.

This review was undertaken in fulfilment of a commitment set out in First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their families. In particular, it supports Goal C of the strategy, which focuses on supporting positive play-based early learning.

The review show that the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative is performing well. It provides strong social value at low cost and helps fund local supports that benefit families, communities and early social development.