One Of the big problems facing couples who both work outside the home is finding suitable childcare. There is a big demand for childminders and those thinking of offering a childminding service might be interested in taking a course in childcare before they start.

There are various ways of doing this. Night courses begin at schools and colleges around the country this month and while the subject matter of child-related courses varies from venue to venue, topics normally covered include parenting, child psychology and child development.

For those who want more formalised training it is possible to study to become a Montessori or Froebel-trained teacher as a mature student. In fact mature students are particularly welcomed by St Nicholas's Montessori college in Dublin.

"We normally have some mature students in our classes and they make excellent students not least because they have a wealth of experience," says the college's principal, Bernadette Burns. "Mature students sometimes worry about their ability to keep up, but they are normally very conscientious students and do well. These students often go on to start their own schools."

Mature students do not have to fulfil any specific academic entry requirements. Selection is by interview. For those unable to attend a full-time course the college offers a part-time modular diploma. There is also a oneyear diploma in early childhood education for graduates. The college can be contacted at (01) 280 6064.

Those interested in Froebel training have to comply with fairly demanding entry criteria. They need a six-subject Leaving Certificate with three honours and one of these must be in Irish. Mature students must also have an interview and pass an oral Irish exam. The Froebel course is full-time over three years. Students can opt to spend a fourth year in Trinity College to bring their degree up to honours level. Applications for Froebel places have to be made directly to the Froebel College of Education, Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin, by February 2000. The telephone number to contact for more information is (01) 288 8520.

The School of Practical Childcare is based in Blackrock, Co Dublin but many of its courses also run at centres throughout Ireland. For example, its foundation course in childcare and creche work is available at 10 locations including all the main cities. The time commitment for this course is one night a week for 20 weeks. The school also offers a number of its courses by distance learning. These include childminding, childcare studies and after-school care. The school can be contacted at (01) 288 6994.

The Portobello School also offers courses in childcare aimed at mature students. For those able to travel to Dublin there is a City & Guildsac-credited evening course in childcare which takes place on one night a week over an academic year starting in October. A certificate course by distance learning is also offered. For information contact Portobello School, rere 40 Lower Dominick Street, Dublin 1. Telephone (01) 872 1277.