ECCE Scheme - Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Please note the information is available in the Outline of General Terms and Conditions document on this website.
You can also download a copy of our Guide for Parents to the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme.
I am a parent. How do I apply?
Details of pre-school services which have entered the scheme will be available from your local Childcare Committee by early October 2009. You can then contact a local service to enrol your child. If you are using a service already you can ask your provider if they plan to enter the scheme.
Is it only for community providers?
No, all pre-school services which are notified to the HSE (or registered with the IMEB) can apply to participate.
I am a parent. Can I get the money sent to me instead?
No. The capitation fee will be paid to the provider.
What ages are eligible?
Children who on 1 January 2010, are aged between 3 years 7 months and 4 years 10 months, will be eligible. This may be appealed where a child has been assessed as having special needs which will delay his or her entry to school or where the enrolment policy of a local national school(s) requires children to be more than 5 years and Six months on entry.
What if my childcare provider is not taking part in the scheme?
The scheme is not obligatory so it is up to childcare providers to apply if they so wish. Details of participating services in your area will be available by October 2009.
My child will be 3 year 7 months in December 2009. Is she eligible?
Yes. On 1 January 2009, she will be between 3yrs 7mths and 4 yrs 10mths, so she will be eligible.
My child will be 5 years old on 1 January 2010. He will not start school until September. Is he eligible?
The scheme does not cover a child over 4 years 10 months on 1 January 2010.
How much will providers get?
Services in the scheme - providing three hours a day, 5 days a week for 38 weeks of the year - will get a grant based on €64.50 per child a week for providing a free pre-school service.
Full-time or part-time services operating on a 50 week a year basis will be able to provide 2hrs 15min a day free pre-school for eligible children, and they will receive a grant based on €48.50 per child per week for this. Parents will benefit by a reduction in their childcare costs of this amount. Full or part-time services may choose to provide a sessional (3 hour) service over 38 weeks of a year (or 2 sessional services each day) while a sessional service may choose to provide 2 hours 15 minutes per day over 50 weeks.
Do I have a right to free pre-school for my child? My local centre says it is booked out. Do they have to take my child?
The scheme is subject to availability and a free pre-school place cannot be guaranteed in every case. However, it is expected that almost all parents will be accommodated. If you have difficulty finding a place for your child, you should contact your local City/County Childcare Committee for advice.
Will the scheme be means-tested?
No, it will not be means-tested, and will be available to all parents based on local availability.