January Newsletter

How are we half way through the month of January already?! Time is running away from us. Here are a few important updates we need to share with you.

• Recruitment:

The Early Years sector is constantly in a battle when it comes to recruitment and KCCS, unfortunately, is no exception. With the growing cost of living, restriction of recognised qualifications and the low salaries in the sector, people are consistently making the tough decision to give up on their passion for working with children to find a more sustainable income in the current economic climate. This has led to the impossible task of fully staffing a service like KCCS. While we and our Board of management are doing our best and all what is possible to improve the working conditions in our service, and we believe that these conditions are exceptionally good and above the average of what is offered in childcare sector, we still struggle to get any suitable candidates. There are a number of positions currently open and we would ask you to spread the word, share our job advert posts on your feeds and help us get the word out. KCCS offers a great package to the right people and has done its best to keep up with the cost of living, recognising as much as it can the amazing work that all the staff do to ensure that each child is living their best, happy lives during their time at KCCS.

Car Park – child Safety

In the interest of safety, we have to remind all parents and guardians to please be mindful of speed entering and exiting the car park. We also ask you to reverse into parking spaces to ensure optimal view of footpaths when exiting the car park and TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE. Do not park on the curb, if no spaces are available, please have patience.

Please ensure that you have hold of your small children when exiting the childcare premises so as to minimise risk of incident. We would also appreciate if you do not lift children to press the release button on the main entrance to the building as well as allowing children to walk along the high wall separating our centre and the community centre.

Allergies / Healthy Eating Policy

This is a gentle reminder that we have a strict policy regarding Nuts in KCCS. We have a number of children in various rooms with severe allergies and cannot stress the importance of NUT FREE zone enough. This includes nut products such as Nutella in children’s lunchboxes.

Sickness

There are a number of sicknesses floating around the community at the moment. It is very important that when your child is absent for a period of time due to illness that it is communicated with us so that we can make the appropriate notifications, especially in cases that are contagious and require periods of exclusion such as Hand, Foot and Mouth, Slap Cheek, Conjunctivitis, Chicken Pox etc.

Waiting Lists

We are currently working through our waiting lists which are quite extensive and will be notifying parents in the coming week. Interest in 2024 is closed due to the size of waiting lists.

ECCE offers for allocations for September 2024 will also be going out this month for current users before offers are made to waiting lists.

Appropriate Weather wear

Temperatures are quite cool and will continue to remain low for the coming week. We would ask that all children have appropriate weather gear including Warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves. Outdoor play is an integral part of the children’s routine and we will continue to avail of the outdoor play area for short periods.

National Childcare Scheme (NCS)

The National Childcare scheme is a great benefit for all families and we would encourage if you are not already registered that you do so on www.ncs.gov.ie . We encourage all families to apply through means tested route as this guarantees the minimum subsidy of €1.40, however this route opens up a possibility to get higher subsidy depending on the household income. We believe it is always worth a try! We are in the middle of reviewing children’s attendance and amending NCS hours as required which will see an adjustment in Jan/Feb invoices for those affected. Adjusts could be a reduction of hours to meet the average of your child’s attendance or an increase if you have been attending hours greater than your claim. NCS is monitored by Pobal and adjustments are necessary to ensure the service remains complainant and ensure there are minimal overclaims. There will be a more detailed document to follow explaining the benefits and regulations around NCS claims.

Little Vista

Little Vista is in full operation throughout the service. We will be issuing a survey around the App over the next few weeks so please ensure you get familiar with it and can share your input once survey is distributed. We strongly encourage parents that have not used the app yet to do so as this is our main means of communication including information about attendance, meals, curriculum, observations and more. The app also issues reminders when chick numbers for NCS are running out. Future newsletters will also be distributed via the app therefore if you have issues completing your registration, please be in touch with the office.

Website:

www.kinvaraccc.ie is currently under construction. We are putting the finishing touches to it and hope for a launch in the coming weeks. Please let us know if there is something you think should be included on our website.

Renovations:

The service is currently undergoing a number of minor renovations that will hopefully help create a fresh and open look to the centre.

Monies raised during our Race Night fundraiser have been allocated to the development of our Playground and we are currently working on plans to make it both inviting and inclusive for all ages. Watch this space…

Many thanks as always for the continued support of KCCS, looking forward to a great 2024

KCCS Management