The Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist both registered and unregistered childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes. The grant aims to support childminders to enhance quality and safety in their service through the purchase of toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment, equipment to support inclusion and Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) and the Arts education, as well as IT equipment to assist childminders to engage with training and registration processes. In 2026, the Department paid €422,240 to childminders through the Childminding Development Grant.
The City and County Childcare Committees (CCC) administer the Childminding Development Grant on behalf of the Department. As such, data is collected and recorded by CCC area as opposed to parliamentary constituency. Dublin City Childcare Committee and Fingal County Childcare Committee collectively report 42 childminders will receive a combined total of €42,000.