Meeting Athlone's childcare needs with a highly-qualified service

IT'S what every parent needs to know - that their child is being looked after and cared in an environment that promotes their developmental needs in a safe, caring and positive environment. And at Harmony CDP Childcare Services in Athlone, parents can rest assured that the highest standards of childcare - both pre-school and after-school - are being upheld to the very highest levels of perfection. First established in 1990, as part of the National Community Development Programme, in recognition of the role of community development in tackling poverty and disadvantage, Harmony CDP introduced its top-quality childcare services to Athlone's wider community in 1998, and now offers an impressive three pre-school and three after-school services. Harmony's diligent and respected levels of childcare takes them into a wide range of social areas around Athlone, with pre-school and after-school services now available at both the Blackberry Lane site, the Asylum Seeker Accommodation Unit and Brawny Estate in Athlone, clearly showing that Harmony's much-required services reach out to everybody in the local community. Harmony CDP Childcare Services are presently taking enrolments for the start of the new school year in September, and operates the Free Pre-School year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme, and parents can contact Harmony in relation to their four premises at Blackberry Lane, Brawny, the Asylum Accommodation Unit, and their after-school programme at St Mary's National School at 090 64 76346. Childcare Services Manager at Harmony CDP Childcare Services, Kerrie Shine, said the 100 per cent community-owned and run business is an integral service to the people of Athlone. "Harmony CDP Childcare Services covers all areas of society in Athlone, some of whom are on the margins, but it's all about meeting the needs within our community, and providing a top-level and highly-qualified service to the region. It's all about giving people the type of childcare we feel they are entitled to, and we always maintain the highest standards and ethics within Harmony CDP Childcare Services," Kerrie said. "Everything has been going very, very well for us since we first branched into childcare services in 1998, and the reaction and feedback we get is always extremely positive and rewarding. Our curriculum is entirely needs-led and needs-driven, and is based around what's right and proper for each individual, and also the collective group. We like to keep the kids very busy, and active, and our staff here are trained to the very highest level and standards," she added. As well as operating the popular Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme, Harmony is also involved with the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme; a support scheme for community based services to provide quality childcare services at reduced rates to disadvantaged parents. Harmony Childcare Services are also very aware of national policy and operate in line with the national childcare framework and to this end are committed to the recently introduced Siolta National Quality Standards for Childcare Providers. While Harmony CDP Childcare Services is based at St Kieran's Community Centre (at the rear of Tormey Villas), and is close to Assumption Road, St Kieran's Terrace and Marine View in Athlone its main activities take place in our outreach locations mentioned above. Each of our 14 members of staff is highly trained and qualified, said Kerrie, and boast FETAC Level 5 & 6 (up to Degree Level), and are also fully trained in Child Protection and First Aid. "Our staff are fantastic and are integral to the success of our service provision," Kerrie said. "We pride ourselves on the level of professionalism, care and attention we pay to the kids, and it's hugely important to us that every parent is fully satisified and comfortable with the services we provide. The recent Government cuts ensure that it's regularly the community-based sector that seems to suffer and experience cutbacks, making it a little bit harder for us. But we continue to strive to do our very best, and remain adamant and full focused on maintaining the highest standards of quality and childcare," added Kerrie. Basically, Harmony CDP Childcare Services operates all year round, with Summer Camps currently keeping the kids occupied and busy over the Summer months. They recently visited Athlone Fire Station and had local arts group 'Tonnta' visit them for an educational art session. "Our academic year runs alongside the school year, and we make our services fully available to parents during mid-term breaks and over school holidays. Our aim is to continue to maintain the highest levels of childcare possible, and to make childcare a peaceful and enjoyable experience for both parents and the young children," said Kerrie.