Parent & Toddler Groups

Do you run a Parent and Toddler Group or Are you interested in setting up a Parent and Toddler group up in your area?

Now more than ever, Parents, Guardians and grown-ups are contacting us in Cork City Childcare, actively seeking opportunities for connection and interaction for themselves and their young children in their communities. Perhaps you run a group that we are unaware of or are considering setting up a group in your community in the Cork City area! If so, Get in touch! We would love to support you, in reaching these parents!

What is a Parent and Toddler (P&T) Group?

As the name suggests, parents and their children who meet in a variety of local settings, to include local community centres, parish halls or other appropriate settings for anything up to a couple of hours once a week. In recent times there is growing awareness towards potentially advertising the group as a Baby & Toddler group as it can enable for a wider range of potential carers and guardians, to include extended family, Childminders, and grandparents, to come along and get involved. The group is a voluntary service, where the attending parent/guardian has full responsibility for their own children. These groups offer parents/guardians & families the fabulous opportunity to connect with other adults, develop potential friendships, seek, or share advice and gives children safe, welcoming opportunities to play and interact with other children.

How can Cork City Childcare help you and your current or potential P&T group?

• A development Worker is available to assist with vital Information and guidance with the many aspects associated with the general suitability, running, management, and maintenance of your group.
• We can offer tailored Support in regards developing appropriate policies and procedures necessary to run a quality led P&T Group in your area.
• A development worker is available to make recommendations about P&T Programme planning or give suggestions or ideas about suitable age-appropriate toys, equipment and materials needed for the children attending your Parent and Toddler Group.
• Cork City Childcare can advise you and your group about relevant Grant or funding opportunities available to you or how fundraising may be approached to compliment the financial requirements of your P&T group.
• We can support you in developing an appropriate advertisement and communication plan. It is important that parents/guardians in the community are aware that the group is in existence! We can also offer opportunities for free advertisement through our dedicated Cork City Childcare Webpage or signposting enquiring parents to local P&T groups in the cork city area.
• Signposting to other agencies, links, or organisations, specific to supporting you and your current or potential Parent & Toddler Group
• A Development Worker is available to visit your group or potential location
• Cork City Childcare can suggest training or facilitate networking with other P&T organisers/groups in the Cork City Area.

Information or support with setting up a Parent and Toddler Group

Please contact Cork City Childcare on 021-4310500 and ask for the Development Worker  Leanne Twomey allocated to supporting the Parent & Toddler groups.

Parent and Toddler Groups in the Cork City Area

Please see below list of current and active parent and toddlers groups 

Some useful Parent & Toddler Group Resources are available below:

• Cork City Childcare links for various providers
• TUSLA/Early Childhood Ireland – Starting a Parent and Toddler Group
• Your Baby and Toddler group Companion ~
• Barnardos – The benefits of outdoor play
• Key messages for Parents 0-6 years ~ NCCA
• Learning and developing through play with your baby at 0-18mths
• Promoting play between parents and toddlers aged 12 months-3 years

Parent & Toddler Groups