ECCE Free Preschool Scheme: Age Cutoffs, Hours & How to Apply

Figuring out childcare funding can feel like a full-time job. In Ireland, one of the most helpful schemes is the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, often called the "free preschool scheme." It gives children access to free preschool education in the years before they start primary school. But how does it work, who is eligible, and how do you get a place? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Quick summary

• What is it? The ECCE scheme provides free preschool for children in Ireland.
• Eligibility: Your child must be 2 years and 8 months old by August 31st of the year they will start. They can remain in the scheme until they transfer to primary school.
• Hours: It covers 3 hours of preschool per day, 5 days a week, for 38 weeks of the year.
• Cost: The basic preschool hours are free. You may be asked to pay for optional extras like additional hours, meals, or specific activities.
• AIM: The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) provides extra supports for children with disabilities to access the ECCE scheme.

What is the ECCE Scheme?

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme is a government-funded programme that provides free access to preschool education for children. The goal is to make early learning accessible and affordable for all families, giving children a strong start before they begin primary school. The programme is delivered by thousands of Tusla-registered creches, Montessori schools, and community preschools across Ireland.

These settings follow a play-based curriculum guided by the Aistear and Síolta frameworks, which focus on developing a child's well-being, identity, communication, and exploration skills.

Who is Eligible for ECCE?

Eligibility for the ECCE scheme is based on your child's age. To qualify for the scheme starting in September, your child must be at least 2 years and 8 months old by August 31st of that year.

For example, for the 2024/2025 preschool year, a child must have been born between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2021. You can use the official eligibility checker on the ncs.gov.ie website to be certain.

There is no income assessment for the standard ECCE scheme – it is a universal programme available to all families in Ireland.

What Hours Does ECCE Cover?

The ECCE scheme funds 3 hours of preschool per day, 5 days a week, for 38 weeks (a total of 1,140 hours per year), which aligns with the primary school calendar. This means the service is term-time, closing for mid-terms, Christmas, and Easter holidays.

Optional Extras

While the 3 hours of preschool are free, your chosen provider might offer optional services that are not covered by the scheme. These can include:

• Additional Hours: If you need your child to be cared for longer than the 3-hour ECCE session, you will need to pay for the extra time. You can use the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) to help cover the cost of these additional hours.
• Meals: Some preschools include meals and snacks, which may come at an extra cost.
• Activities: Special activities like field trips, specific classes (e.g., yoga, languages), or certain learning materials might be charged separately.

Providers are required to give you a clear list of what is included in the free ECCE provision and what is considered an optional extra with a separate fee. You are not obliged to avail of any optional extras.

How to Secure Your ECCE Place

Getting an ECCE place can be competitive, especially in areas with high demand. It’s wise to start your search early.

1. Find a Participating Preschool

First, you need to find a creche or preschool that offers the ECCE scheme. Most Tusla-registered providers do. You can use the Crechely search tool to find participating services in your area.

When you are researching, look for their latest Tusla inspection report, ask about their curriculum, and arrange a visit to see the environment for yourself. This is your chance to ask questions and get a feel for the service.

2. Register Your Child

Once you have chosen a preschool, you will need to register your child with them. The preschool will ask you for your child’s full name, date of birth, and PPS number.

They will use this information to register your child for the ECCE scheme on the official Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) portal. You will be asked to sign a form confirming the details are correct.

3. The ECCE Calendar

Most preschools will ask for expressions of interest or open their waiting lists up to a year in advance. It’s a good idea to put your child’s name down with a few preferred providers well before they are due to start.

What if My Child Has Additional Needs?

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a government initiative designed to ensure children with disabilities can access and fully participate in the ECCE programme. AIM provides a range of supports to both children and their preschool providers, tailored to the needs of the child and the service.

Supports can range from expert advice for the preschool staff to additional funding for specialist equipment or a lower staff-to-child ratio. If your child has additional needs, it is important to discuss this with your chosen preschool provider as early as possible. They can work with you to apply for the necessary AIM supports.

ECCE vs. NCS: What's the Difference?

It’s easy to get confused between the ECCE scheme and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), but they are different.

• ECCE is a universal scheme providing a set number of free preschool hours for children of a specific age.
• NCS provides financial subsidies to help reduce the cost of childcare for children from 24 weeks up to 15 years. The NCS subsidy can be income-assessed or universal and can be used for hours outside of the free ECCE provision.

You can use both schemes at the same time. For example, if your child is in a creche for a full day, you could use the free ECCE hours for the morning session and then use your NCS subsidy to reduce the cost of the remaining hours.

Starting preschool is a major milestone for your child and your family. The ECCE scheme is a fantastic support that gives thousands of children the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in a quality setting. By starting your research early and understanding how the scheme works, you can find the perfect place for your little one to begin their educational journey.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for financial advice. Always check official sources like ncs.gov.ie and Citizens Information for the most up-to-date details.

Frequently asked questions