"CHILDMINDING TOUCHES LIVES ... " - NICMA celebrate 25 years

In 2009 NICMA – the Childminding Association celebrated 25 years as a charity and membership organisation supporting and promoting the childminding sector. Looking back over the years it is clear that Childminding really has touched the lives of many thousands of families, who, without the benefit of reliable childminding, would have been unable to manage their work and family responsibilities. NICMA, as the sole organisation in Northern Ireland supporting childminding, has grown from a small operation of a group of childminders to a professional organisation with a staff team covering the entire province. Our ultimate purpose over the 25 years has always been to promote and support childminding in order to enhance the childminding experience for children. The range of our work includes:
• Childminding Development focussed very much on recruitment and retention of childminders and promoting childminding as a career

• Childminding Networks attached to SureStart projects providing a home-based childcare option for children and families

• Training and Quality initiatives to help develop and enhance the skills and knowledge of childminders

• Information, Advice & Vacancy services for both childminders, parents and others to help with all aspects of managing a quality childminding service

25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS – 2009