THE NATIONAL CHILDCARE SCHEME - A PARENTS GUIDE

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The National Childcare Scheme is the pathway to truly accessible, affordable, quality childcare.

 

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help with your childcare costs.

There are two types of childcare subsidy for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age:

• A universal subsidy which is not means tested.

• An income-assessed subsidy which is means tested.

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Your childcare provider, including childminders and school-age childcare services, must be registered with Tusla and have a National Childcare Scheme contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

 

The subsidy will be paid directly to your childcare provider.  Your provider then will subtract your subsidy from your childcare bill.

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What Must A Parent Do?

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It is a  Parents / Guardians responsibility to apply for the subsidy for their child.

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1.  Apply for your verified MyGovID.  Your verified MyGovID is your single account that gives you safe, secure,

online access to a range of Irish Government services.

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2.  The information needed to guide you through the process of registering your child can be found on the National Childcare Scheme Website by clicking here.  This site contains the most up to date information on the scheme along with some frequently asked

questions and useful resources.

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3.  If you have any concerns or queries or require any assistance with your registration the National Childcare Scheme Parent Support

Centre is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.  You can contact them on 01 9068530 or by Email ncs@dcya.gov.ie.

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You can also contact your Development Worker at Cork County Childcare Committee. 

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