Fundraising initiative for Childhood Days - a local Leitrim charity

In operation since 2002, the service was founded by parents who wanted equal opportunities for their children who had special needs. It was originally set up as an afterschool which continues today along with preschool and a day-care service on Saturdays.

The centre continues to provide services throughout the school holidays when the need is greatest. In excess of 470 children and families supported since we opened.

We take referrals from HSE disability service and Autism service and social services, schools and from parents and guardians.

Our qualified childcare staff provide a variety of activities for children with disability to enhance their experiences and promote independence to each child’s ability. This in turn offers respite to families and carers. The service liaises with HSE therapists to continue the children’s individual physical care plans.

A vital part of Childhood Days service is the provision of transport to enable the children from rural areas to access the service. A collect and drop off service is available four days a week. Without the bus many families would not be able to avail of the service.

The service is only part funded through the Community services which provides part funding for staff and through the national childcare scheme and the HSE. We also rely on parent fees and fundraising to continue our work.

Childhood days provides out of school and respite services for 51 weeks of the year. Unfortunately, we are only part funded by various government schemes, namely community services programme, national childcare scheme and HSE.