Free Preschool with the ECCE Scheme

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme offers free preschool to children in Ireland, giving them a great start before they begin primary school.

If your child is aged 2 years and 8 months or older, they may be eligible to attend a registered preschool or childcare service for free, for up to 15 hours a week, 38 weeks a year. Most children can benefit from two full years under the scheme.

The ECCE programme helps children learn through play, build confidence, and get ready for the next step in their education – all in a safe and fun environment with qualified early years educators.

What you need to know:

• It’s completely free – no fees for ECCE hours.

• Open to all children who meet the age requirement.

• To avail of ECCE Programme the child must be 3 on the 31st December the year they begin preschool.

For more information visit gov.ie – ECCE Scheme.

To avail of the ECCE programme children must turn 3 by the 31st of December the year they begin preschool. (e.g. children born 31st December 2022 they are eligible from September 25)

In some cases, children may qualify for an exemption from the standard ECCE age rules. This usually applies to children with additional needs who may benefit from delaying their start in primary school or extending their time in ECCE. Exemptions must be approved by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and are considered on a case-by-case basis, often with input from medical or educational professionals. If you think your child may need an exemption, if you need any further info please speak to a member of management, who can guide you through the application process.

Children attending a preschool session for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week over 38 weeks. The preschool calendar is given out at the beginning of each year and this outlines the ECCE dates for the year including days off and midterms.