Free Preschool for Parents

Free Preschool Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE)

The Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE) provides for three hours of free  pre-school per day for 38 weeks of the year; or two hours fifteen minutes per day over 50 weeks of the year.  

All children born between the 2^nd Feb 2008 and the 30th June 2009 are eligible for a free place from September 2012..

Parents are advised to enrol their child in the preschool service of choice as soon as possible.  

Children with Special Needs

The ECCE has made provisions to facilitate Children with Special Needs

Parents who wish to apply for a waiver of the upper age limit or to avail of the pre-school year on a pro-rata basis over two years (e.g. 2 days per week in year 1 and 3 days per week in year 2) on the grounds that their children have special needs, must apply in writing to the Childcare Directorate please click on the following link   in the childcare section.