Parent and Toddler Groups

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 DCEDIY Parent and Toddler Page can be found here.

 

 

 

Parent and Toddler Funding 2026

 

“This year the focus for the 2026 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups in providing assistance to young parents and children in establishing connections and to promote the inclusion of families from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures.

 

The Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2026, will have only two streams of funding:

 

  1. Funding of up to €800 will be available for new and existing Parent and Toddler groups that are part of a larger organisation and,
  2. Funding of up to €1,000 will be available for new and standalone Parent and Toddler groups that are not part of a larger organisation. 

 

Conditions apply and the CCCs are available to discuss requirements with new and existing groups”.