Childcare centre is expanding services
VALENTIA Island Resource and Childcare Centre ( VIRCCC) is a community based facility which started as a pre-school in 1998, developing into a full daycare service by 2000.
The service has grown down through the years with two state of the art extensions, including a large pre-school area and also a large after-school area, situated upstairs.
As with any community project, the school needs to explore all its options so as to remain viable in a small area.
With this ambition in mind, VIRCCC is now offering a before-school/after-school service to commence in September, and to include the Portmagee area. The centre is in a position to offer drop off and pick up services from Portmagee National School at 2pm and 3pm. This service is currently on offer to Valentia National School.
A range of other childcare services are also on offer, such as full day care, half-day care and sessional care at a very affordable rate.
Any parent working in a Community Employment Scheme, in receipt of social welfare, Farm Assist or a medical card holder is entitled to subvented childcare. Free pre-school is offered to all qualifying children from three years upwards.
All staff are fully childcare qualified and first aid trained. Staff are continuously upskilling in various areas, including curriculum training and one staff member will be a fully trained ‘inclusion co-ordinator’ by September, having completed the Line Programme over the past year.
VIRCCC has recently received its validation award as a Healthy Ireland pre- service, having completed the Health Ireland Smart Start Programme for pre-school services.
Summer Camps are offered for the month of July and are open to drop-in bookings during quieter periods. Childcare is also provided for the benefit of people holidaying in the area for the purpose of allowing parents to participate in day excursions, e.g. Skellig trips, etc.