Information
ECCE Scheme
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme offers childcare and early education for pre-school-aged children.
Information
ECCE Scheme
ECCE Scheme
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme offers childcare and early education for pre-school-aged children.
Introduction to The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides for two years of free preschool education to children aged 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months before they begin primary school.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme offers childcare and early education for pre-school-aged children.
Children are eligible to join the ECCE program starting from the age of 2 years and 8 months and can remain until they begin primary school, as long as they are not older than 5 years and 6 months at the preschool year’s end. For eligibility details, refer to the ‘Is my child eligible for ECCE’ section below.
The government provides a fixed payment to the participating daycare services and playschools for each child enrolled in the ECCE scheme. In exchange, these facilities offer a preschool service at no cost for all children who meet the age requirements. This service is available for a predetermined number of hours across a specified number of weeks. For more information on the provision of the ECCE scheme, see the ‘How the ECCE scheme is provided’ section below.
Additionally, financial assistance towards childcare costs outside of the ECCE hours may be available through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).
Please note that simultaneous enrollment in both the ECCE Programme and the Early Start Programme is not permitted.
ECCE Eligibility
The program is open to children who are at least 2 years and 8 months old by September 1. They may remain in the program until they start primary school, provided they are not older than 5 years and 6 months by the preschool year’s conclusion on June 30.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) offers an eligibility calendar to help determine when your child can start in the ECCE program.
Exemptions for Age Limits
Children with special needs may qualify for an exemption from the ECCE’s maximum age limit. For details on exemptions and how to apply, please contact EYQueries@equality.gov.ie. It is important to note that the minimum age requirement does not offer exemptions.
ECCE Scheme Delivery
Providers are required to offer the ECCE program for 3 hours daily, across 5 days a week, for 38 weeks annually.
For Sessional Services:
Children enrolled in sessional services, such as playschools or Montessori schools, participate in the ECCE scheme for 3 hours daily, five days a week, throughout the school year. Fees apply for any time beyond these hours.
For Daycare Services:
The standard offering for ECCE in full-time or part-time daycare is also 3 hours per day, five days a week. Additional hours will incur extra charges.
Attendance Policy
Failure to attend the ECCE program for four consecutive weeks may result in loss of the ECCE spot, except under special circumstances, such as prolonged illness or bereavement, where absence can extend up to 12 or 6 weeks, respectively.
Quality and Content Standards
Participating childcare services must deliver a preschool program that aligns with the SĂolta and Aistear frameworks. SĂolta coordinators and the local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) staff offer support through visits and advice.
Support for Children with Special Needs
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) facilitates the participation of children with disabilities in the ECCE program without requiring a disability diagnosis. AIM offers seven levels of support, ranging from universal to targeted, based on the child’s and preschool provider’s needs, providing tailored support.
Levels 1 to 3 are accessible to all and include universal supports to foster inclusivity through educational initiatives for providers and practitioners.
Levels 4 to 7 offer targeted supports, which may include expert educational advice, specialized equipment, therapeutic supports, and additional funding for assistance in the preschool setting.
Parents, in conjunction with their chosen preschool provider, can assess and apply for the necessary supports under AIM to ensure their child’s successful inclusion in the program.
The AIM website offers detailed information and FAQs for parents, while local City or County Childcare Committees can provide further assistance and guidance on accessing AIM supports.
Summary
ECCE Scheme Availability
Schemes
Introduction to The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) Scheme
Introduction to The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) Scheme
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is designed to provide financial assistance to families for early learning and childcare expenses.