A Childminder is a self-employed person who runs a childminding service looking after other people’s children (under the age of 15 years) for at least 2 hours per day for payment, in the childminder’s own home.

Childminders work by themselves and do not employ any other people to assist them with the children they are caring for. 

As part of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 – 2028, new regulations specifically developed for childminders who work in their own homes where developed. The regulations came into operation on the 30th of September 2024. From this date, childminders can apply for registration with Tusla.

The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 provides a transition period of three years for the new childminding regulations. This means that from the 30th of September 2024, childminders will be able to register with Tusla but it will not be mandatory until the end of the transition period in September 2027. 

Childminders who mind 3 or fewer preschool children and 6 or fewer children in total will continue to be exempt for the duration of the transitional period. Only childminders who are minding more than 3 preschool children or more than 6 children in total will be required to register immediately.  

The childminding directory below includes childminders who are currently not registered with Tusla. That means they are not subject to any inspection by the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate and they do not have to submit to Garda vetting.

The fact that a person is included on this list is not in any way an endorsement of their services. Leitrim County Childcare Committee strongly advice any parent considering the use of any Childminder or any Childminder considering a parent meet and discuss the service provided and required to their full satisfaction.

Leitrim County Childcare Committee makes no assessment or does not carry out any inspection as to the quality of care provided by any Childminding service including the Childminding services listed. Leitrim CCC has the role solely of acting as a support and information point for childminders and parents / guardians accessing childminding services.