What is the ECCE?

 

Since September 2018, children are eligible to start free preschool when they turn age 2 years and 8 months, and can continue in free pre-school until they start primary school (once the child is not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the relevant pre-school year i.e. end June).  They can attend for 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, 38 weeks of the year.

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To check when your child will be eligible to avail of the ECCE Scheme click here

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Where can I find a service offering ECCE?

Your Development Worker can provide you with a list of services offering the ECCE Scheme in your area.

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My child has a disability, are they eligible for ECCE?

 

Yes. The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) allows children with a disability to access additional supports in their free preschool years.

 

This does not require a formal diagnosis, rather each child will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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If you have a concern about your child’s development contact the preschool your child will attend, well in advance of your child’s start-date, to discuss the AIM programme.

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