Fingal childcare body launches guidance booklets

The Fingal County Childcare Committee (FCCC) will today launched two booklets produced to guide parents and childcare workers in the area.

The FCCC has produced a booklet in nine languages to assist foreign nationals in their communication with childcare providers.

The booklet consists of directions on the type of childcare services available, a bi-lingual registration for enrolment, a contact list and a bi-lingual evaluation form.

The booklet is available in Arabic, French, Spanish, Irish, Lingala, Romana, Russian and Yoruba, along with an English translation.

The FCCC is one of 33 childcare committees nationwide that report directly to the Office of the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Brian Lenihan.

Speaking at the launch FCCC development officer Mairead Tucker said: "They have been produced to assist parents from non-English speaking backgrounds to communicate with more ease whit childcare providers on essential matters such as health, allergies and emergency contact details".

A manual to assists childminders is also due to be unveiled.  It is aimed at directing workers on issues such as play, activity planning, and behavioural management and was produced at the request of childcare workers in the area.

The FCCC's Childminders advisory officer Una Caffrey said the manual will "inform their work and answer some of the queries that have been coming into the office in the past few months."

Mr Lenihan will attend the launch at the Great Southern Hotel at Dublin Airport at 7pm this evening.