Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions are designed to address common queries parents and guardians may have about enrolling their child/children with Dimples Crèche and Montessori.
1. WHAT GOVERNMENT SCHEMES DOES DIMPLES CRECHE AND MONTESSORI PARTICIPATE IN?
We participate in the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and ECCE Scheme. Eligible families who have applied and been approved for a government discount will have their monthly flat rate adjusted accordingly.
2. HOW OFTEN ARE FEES PAID?
Fees are due in full on the 1st of each month.
3. WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT POLICY?
A €400 deposit is required to secure your child/children’s place. This deposit will be fully refundable on your last months fee provided you have given our Service 2 months notice prior to your child/children’s leaving date.
Should you choose not to enrol your child after paying the deposit, a refund will be issued if at least 6 months’ notice is provided.
PLEASE NOTE: In all other cases it is non refundable.
4. WHAT IS THE ENROLMENT POLICY?
Children can be enrolled anytime from 4 months old and up.
To confirm a place, we require a €400 deposit and the completion of all required documentation.
We offer an afterschool programme with limited availability. If your child is allocated a place, care will be provided from Junior Infants up to the end of 4th Class.
5. DO YOU OFFER PART TIME CARE?
We provide full time care 5 days a week throughout the year.
Sessional Montessori runs from 9am – 12pm, 38 weeks of the year and your child must be a minimum of 2 years and 8 months to attend
PLEASE NOTE: Children must be fully potty trained to attend Sessional Montessori.
6. DO YOU CLOSE FOR SUMMER?
No. Our full day care operates all year round, closing only on Bank Holidays, approximately two weeks at Christmas and four training days annually. The sessional Montessori follows the standard school term calendar, including closures.
7. IF I HAVE SECURED A PLACE, CAN I REQUEST AN EARLIER SPOT?
Yes. If we have availability, we are happy to accommodate an earlier start date. We will note your request and contact you if a place becomes available sooner.
8. CAN I POSTPONE MY SPOT FOR A LATER DATE?
In certain circumstances, we can accommodate a later start date. To enquire about this you must contact the Management Team.
9. WHAT IS THE SETTLING IN PERIOD?
Before your child begins, we will confirm the starting date and provide a list of required supplies via email.
The settling in week involves a gradual introduction:
• Day 1: You’ll meet the teachers and have the opportunity to share your child’s routine and preferences.
• Day 2 onwards: Your child will stay with us for a short, agreed-upon period without you. Gradually increasing their time each day as they become more comfortable.
PLEASE NOTE: We recommend beginning the settling in week at least two weeks before your return to work. This allows time for both you and your child adjust smoothly to the new routine.
10. WHAT ARE YOUR ILLNESS POLICIES?
All children must be fully vaccinated. Exclusion periods are based on the specific illness your child may have. Full details are outlined in the parent pack provided upon enrolment.
11. WILL MY CHILD GET SICK OFTEN WHEN STARTING CRECHE?
Our service is cleaned continuously throughout the day and professionally cleaned each evening. It is normal for children to experience illnesses when adjusting to a new environment. Over time, their immunity will strengthen and illnesses should become less frequent.
12. WHAT FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED TO MY CHILD?
We have a fully qualified chef on site who prepares all our meals fresh daily and caters to all allergies and dietary needs that any child may have.
We will also provide a weekly menu to all the parents of what your child/children will be receiving during the week. Each day, the teachers will note how much of the meal your child ate in the Daily Chart Report.
13. HOW DO YOU KEEP PARENTS INFORMED ABOUT THE CHILD/CHILDREN’S DAY?
Each classroom is equipped with a mobile phone with WhatsApp, where an individual group chat is created for each child/children and their parent/guardian. The Teacher’s will provide updates including details on your child’s sleep, meals and other relevant information along with pictures.
14. ARE YOUR STAFF TRAINED?
All Staff at Dimples are fully qualified in childcare and hold certifications in Tusla Children’s First; First Aid; Manual Handling; Fire Safety and Food Safety.
We also conduct 4 annual training days for ongoing professional development.
15. WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING HOURS AND WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM LATE?
We open Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6.00pm. We do request that parents collect their children on time, but we do understand that there are rare occasions when you may be running late. We ask that parents contact the centre directly and advise how delayed they will be. If there is a continuous pattern where a parent is running late, a late fee will be added to your monthly bill.
Phone: (01) 295 9829
Email: info@dimples.ie