Introduction

CMT’s training framework for childminders and the development of service level within the community, form part of a wider range of support services that CMT develops and tends to render successfully for community members. CMT is continuously evaluating, updating and improving the content and delivery methods of its training services in line with legislative changes, identified user needs, and staff developmental activities.

The framework provides childminders with the opportunity to become actively involved in their own development, at a pace that meets their needs. It is a service that will benefit many of the potential childminders willing to work at home/indoor, enabling them to provide quality childminding services for St James children. Childminders will be better equipped to progress towards formal qualification by following CMT’s framework which in turn provides the society with a better qualified workforce.

CMT’s Childminding Training

This 8 week training programme is recommended for those considering a career in childminding. The aim is to provide the necessary knowledge and information required to assist potential childminders complete the programme/certificate course, and also help with making an informed choice regarding a career in childminding.

This training programme was reviewed and revised in line with the demands of childcare legislation and the Ontario Care Standards. The programme reflects the fact that potential childminders must be more trained than ever before prior to practicing.

All the sessions are interactive, and take the form of work shops and discussion groups. There are tests/assignments to complete, in addition to the opportunity to explore what childminding involves; to learn together; and to meet with other potential childminders.

This training is supported by a series of handouts, which provide useful information to help with the initial stages of taking on a childminder role. A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those who attend the complete programme.

How To Get Started

The potential childminders can join CMT training upon completing an interview and registration. Please contact us for more information.

Group Sessions

The programme is normally delivered in 2 hour sessions over a period of 8 weeks. The sessions are interactive and adopt workshop and discussion group format. The training is supported by a series of informative handouts that provide support throughout the early stages of the 'Becoming a Childminder' process. The First Aid Course is a complete day. Where possible, this programme runs in conjunction with the Care Commission. A Certificate of Attendance is awarded to those who complete the programme.

The Interview process

The aim of the interview process is to ensure that participants will gain the most benefit from the program and that completion will help meet their personal development goals.

The interview process includes:

• Completing the application form
• Completing and discussing the “Childminders Description” with CMT staff
• Outlining the time commitments required to complete the course

THE SESSIONS

Session 1: Introduction to Childminding
 
The aim of this session is to clarify the potential childminder’s understanding of the goal and requirements of the course. This includes:

• Completing the Childminders questionnaire

• Completing the Childminders skills assessment

• Identifying Chilminder resources within the community
• Identify the aims of a good childminding service.
• Provide information on Community Matters and how other programs link and support the Child Minding Course
• The information provided in this session help to complete the application form. It will also give guidance as to how you would meet Care Standards.

Session 2: Raising Awareness of Child Protection

The aim of this session is to provide the potential childminder with the information needed to ensure a safe environment to care for children. This includes:

• Review of the Check List outlining parents expectations of a professional Child Minder
• Anti-bias approach.
• Carrying out risk assessment on her home.
• Choosing and maintaining equipment.
• Safety issues away from her home - travelling by car, outings, etc.
• Fire safety, developing and practising an escape plan.
• Establishing and maintaining good standards of hygiene in all areas of work.
• Family pets.
• Positive Behaviour Management.
• Initial contact with parents. (Ali)
• Preparing for her first visit from parents.
• Acknowledging parents feelings and reassuring them about settling-
• in arrangements.
• How to negotiate and agree a contract with parents.
• Develop an effective way of exchanging information with parents.(cmt?)
• Encourage parents to ask questions and offer information about their
• children.

 

Session 3: Child Development – Physical Development

The aim of this session is to help the potential childminder understand the physical development of children at all ages and to plan routines and activities into her childminding day. This includes:

• Physical development of children from 3 months  to 5 years
• Appropriate Toys for each stage of development

 

Session 4: Child Development – Language Development

The aim of this session is to help the potential childminder understand the language development of children at all ages and to plan routines and activities into her childminding day. This includes:

• Language development of children from 3 months  to 5 years
• Brain development
• Early Literacy
• Language Development
• TV Watching
• CMT website resources

 

Session 5: Child Development – Emotional Development

The aim of this session is to help the potential childminder understand the emotional development of children at all ages and to plan routines and activities into her childminding day. This includes:

• Emotional development of children from 3 months  to 5 years
• Separation anxiety
• Development of self esteem, self control and self concept
• Setting Limits
• Hurting Others
• Aggression – hitting, biting, grabbing
• Words of encouragement and praise

 

Session 6: Child Development – Children with Special Needs

The aim of this session is to help the potential childminder understand the development of children with special needs.  This includes:

•  

Session 7: First Aid

The aim of the second part of this session is to highlight the need to be aware of emergency first aid procedures. This includes:

• What to do in an emergency.
• Contacting parents.
• Keeping accident reports.
• This is an introductory session, and again it is advised that the potential  childminders undertake a certificated First Aid Course.

 

Session 8: The Professional Approach

The aim of this session is to provide the potential childminder with the information needed to set up her childminding service. This includes:

• Developing a personal folder
• Exploring the need to be ‘professional'.
• Business requirements - including record keeping, insurance etc.
• Financial records.
• How to set rates and what to charge.
• How to fill vacancies.
• Using contracts.

 

Conclusion:

On completion of this training programme, the potential childminder will have a better understanding of what is involved in providing a quality, professional childminding service.
                       
The potential childminder should look on this training as the beginning of her professional development, and consider attending further relevant courses to up date her skills and knowledge