In the framework of the ChildIN project, funded under the European Commission's Erasmus+ programme, a training programme addressed to childminders dealing with children with autism, has been developed and tested in the 3 participating countries: France, Portugal, and Poland.

The ChildIN project was launched in November 2018 and will end in April 2021. Its main objective is to propose a specific training to childminders in order to support inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The project is implemented by a consortium of 6 partners from 4 EU member states: France, Portugal, Poland, and Belgium.

Based on the previously developed Competence Framework at EQF level 3, the training programme is composed of 5 Modules and has a total length of 35 hours. The contents of these modules, along with a set of other materials such as training activities, presentations and evaluation tools were gathered together under a unique training kit. The latter is available in English, French, Portuguese and Polish.

As mentioned above, the ChildIN training course has been implemented in 3 countries of the consortium with a total of 53 childminders who have successfully completed the programme, despite the Covid-19 health crisis. Initially, the training programme was designed in a blended format, mixing face to face sessions and e-learning. However, it had to be adapted to 100% distance learning in order to allow the childminders follow the course in the best way possible. In fact, 76% of the total trainees were satisfied or highly satisfied with the ChildIN training.

Such experiences are essential for improving the training provisions available for the childminders and in this way ensure that children with autism receive a high quality and adapted care.

To find out more details about the ChildIN training programme and its implementation, please read the report available on the project website here. The training kit is also available for download and it is addressed to any interested individual or organisation.