The ECCE free preschool scheme is one of the best perks of raising a child in Ireland — but the age rules trip up nearly every parent. Here's how it works in plain English.
The age rule
Your child must be at least 2 years 8 months and no more than 5 years 6 months on 1 September of the year they start ECCE.
How to calculate your child's start date
Take your child's date of birth and add 2 years 8 months. Whichever September comes on or after that date, that's their first ECCE start.
Example: A child born 15 March 2023 turns 2 years 8 months on 15 November 2025. They're old enough for September 2026 ECCE — they'll be 3 years 6 months on that first September.
Can you start in January instead?
ECCE runs full academic years only. You can't start mid-year — you wait until the next September.
Maximum 2 years on ECCE
Every child gets up to two full ECCE years. Most children use both.
What happens after ECCE ends?
Most children start primary school the September after their second ECCE year. See our full ECCE overview.
15 hours per week — how it works
3 hours a day, Monday–Friday, 38 weeks a year (Sept to June). No fee to you — the state pays the provider directly.
ECCE + NCS
The two schemes stack. ECCE covers the free 3 hours; NCS covers the wraparound hours if you need longer days. See how to apply for NCS.
Search ECCE-participating providers near you on Crechely.