A short presentation to explain my background and the reasons behind this site:

I am a professional childminder for 3 years now. I used to study English, French and German Linguistics in the Sorbonne University at PhD level when I discovered I was going to give birth to my (future) lovely little girl. I did not work during my pregnancy (I had done many different office jobs in the past to sustain me during my studies, like PA), nor did I during the first 9 months of Roche's life. And after all this time of reflexion, and because material realities started to catch up with our life, I decided to keep Roche with me and earn money at the same time. I could have done distance work? No, I thought that Roche would beneficiate from forming bonds with other children and having a circle fo friends around her. Because I am French in Ireland, I was away from my family and friends,  so I did not want her to live in a closed 3-way relationship me-Mummy-Daddy.

So, I took up a small course to start a childminding business, which was great for getting as much information as possible in a small amount of time, and also to have a first-aid course - in case. Last year, I thought that I needed further training , especially in theory of child development, play activities and first-aid again, so I went for night-courses in Childcare FETAC Level 5. I thoroughly enjoyed the first year, got distinctions in all 4 modules, even the work experience that has been particularly difficult for me, as I completely disapproved with the methods used in my placement (frequent use of the time out chair, or even high chair to constrict 3-year-old children, shouting, menacing, watching DVDs all afternoon, preventing creative/messy play... After having said what I had to say, I left the place not to come back again.

As the children in my care were thriving, and Roche in particular, I questioned the idea that she would have to go to preschool - an idea that is so deeply anchored in us, French people (99% of children between 3 and 6 go to the Maternelle, or French free state-provisioned preschool). Why would I pay (preschool is far from being free in Ireland) someone else that would have the same qualifications as me - or less, to educate my child in a way that I did not want for her? My meeting with Sandrine, a courageous French woman who also decided to go for homeschooling until her child reached the age of 6 or more, gave me the confidence that I too, could be able to transmit knowledge in enthusiasm to my own very curious, vivacious and talented little child and individual, and to share our activities and discovery with all the other children I mind.

And indeed, she is blossoming, along with Ab, Bn, Al, the 3 other now in preschool age children, and Mo and Jack who are coming "leaps and bounds", as their Corkorian Nana likes to say!

With love to all my children, and my very own in particular,

Isabelle