Parent & Toddler Groups | Roscommon CCC

What Are Parent & Toddler Groups?

A Parent and Toddler Group is an informal group within the local community, which provides an opportunity for young children and their parents or carers to meet. Parent and Toddler Groups can be a great way of meeting other people with children the same age as yours in your area. They offer a warm, relaxed space for early play and social interaction for both children and adults. While these were traditionally aimed at parents, they can include childminders, grandparents and other guardians. These groups are not childcare services — parents remain with their children at all times.

Why Parent & Toddler Groups Matter

For Children

Safe, fun opportunities to socialise
Early learning through play
New environments to explore
Chance to develop confidence before starting early learning settings

For Parents & Carers

A supportive place to meet other adults
Reduced isolation, especially for new parents
Peer support, advice and shared experiences
A gentle introduction to community life

For Communities

Strengthened local connections
A welcoming space for newcomers
Opportunities for intergenerational bonding
A foundation for other community initiatives

Are you looking for a Parent & Toddler Group to join?

If you’re hoping to meet other parents and find a friendly space for your little one to play, Parent & Toddler groups are a great place to start. These groups are relaxed, drop-in meetups where you can connect with others, share experiences, and let your child explore new toys and activities. Every parent, guardian, or carer is welcome — whether you’re new to the area, a first-time parent, or simply looking for a supportive community.

If you’d like help finding a local group, our team is here to point you in the right direction. Roscommon CCC has provided a list below of Parent & Toddler groups operating in Roscommon. In addition, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has produced a list of Parent & Toddler groups for every county.

Thinking of Starting a Parent & Toddler Group?

Starting a parent and toddler group requires finding a safe, accessible venue (church halls, community centres), securing insurance, and assembling volunteers to form a committee. Key steps include setting a budget, sourcing age-appropriate toys, scheduling sessions, and promoting the group via social media, local libraries and your local CCC.

Key Planning Steps:

Decide on how the group is to be organised: This can be as simple as deciding whether one person or a committee takes on the task of organising the group.
Venue: Ensure it is child-friendly, has toilets/changing facilities, and is safe (e.g. secure, non-parking area).
Safety & Compliance: Contact the local Fire Officer for safety checks. Ensure proper insurance is in place.
Structure: Create a routine (e.g. free play, snack, singing/stories).
Funding: Apply for grants from local childcare committees.
Equipment: Gather toys for babies (soft) and toddlers (active).

Advertising:

Use local shops, schools, libraries, and social media to advertise.
Contact your local City/County Childcare Committee for guidance and support.

Tusla – Child and Family Agency – provides introductory information and guidelines for setting up a parent and toddler group through their “Parenting 24 Seven” initiative. Key resources include advice on establishing the group as a social, non-daycare service, safety considerations, and finding suitable venues.

Support Roscommon CCC can offer

Roscommon CCC support setting up parent and toddler groups by providing access to annual grant funding, expert advice on insurance, health & safety, training and guidance on finding suitable premises and appropriate equipment. Roscommon CCC assist by connecting you with local resources to ensure a quality, inclusive group.

Key Supports Offered by Roscommon CCC

financial support & grants: Administer the annual Parent and Toddler Group Grant Initiative , which provides funding for new and existing groups to purchase toys, equipment, books, and children’s snacks, as well as covering costs such as insurance and rent.
guidance on setup & operations: Roscommon CCC provide advice on insurance.
networking & promotion: Roscommon CCC help promote your group, connect you with other local groups, and offer guidance on inclusivity for all families, cultures, and backgrounds.

To access these supports, contact Roscommon County Childcare Committee directly on:

Tel: 094 9622540
Email: info@roscommonchildcare.ie

Parent and Toddler Funding 2026

“This year the focus for the 2026 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups in providing assistance to young parents and children in establishing connections and to promote the inclusion of families from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures.

Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2026, will have only two streams of funding:

Funding of up to €800 will be available for new and existing Parent and Toddler groups that are part of a larger organisation.
Funding of up to €1,000 will be available for new and standalone Parent and Toddler groups that are not part of a larger organisation.

Conditions apply and the CCCs are available to discuss requirements with new and existing groups”.

Parent and Toddler Grant 2026 Guidelines and Application form

Closing date 20th February 2026 @ 5pm

Contact Roscommon CCC on 094 9622540 or email maria.corrigan@roscommonchildcare.ie if you would like more information on the Parent and Toddler Grant 2026