Most children get two years of ECCE. Check your child's exact start year with the table on gov.ie, as it depends on the month they were born.
Quick facts
- Free hours
- 15 a week
- Year
- 38 weeks, 3 hours a day
- Start age
- 2 years 8 months by 31 August
- Upper age
- 5 years 6 months by 30 June
- Means test
- None
- Extra hours
- NCS can help
Who qualifies
"ECCE is available to children who have turned 2 years and 8 months of age by 31 August, and who are not older than 5 years and 6 months on or before 30 June of the programme year." For example, a child born in 2024 can attend from September 2027 to June 2029.
"There are no exemptions to the lower age limit." A child with additional needs can apply for an exemption from the upper limit through EYQueries@equality.gov.ie.
How it works
"The pre-school provider must provide ECCE for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week for 38 weeks a year." Playschools, Montessoris, naíonraí and crèches all offer it. Longer days are charged, but the NCS can subsidise the extra hours.
"Your child cannot be enrolled in the ECCE Programme and Early Start Programme at the same time."
What you can be charged
A booking deposit is allowed, but "The deposit cannot be more than 4 weeks of ECCE payments." "The deposit must be refunded once your child's registration for ECCE has been approved."
Optional extras, like food or outings, must be optional, and you can cancel them. "You can't be charged extra for things that are normally included in a preschool, such as arts and crafts supplies."
Support for children with additional needs
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) helps children with a disability take part. "The model is based on the needs of the child when starting pre-school and does not require a diagnosis of disability." Support ranges from advice to equipment, therapy input and an extra assistant in the room. You and the provider apply together.
Keeping your place
"Your child may lose their ECCE place if they are absent for 4 weeks in a row." A place can be held up to 12 weeks for a long illness in the family, or 6 weeks after a bereavement. To move provider, give 4 weeks' written notice.
Apply directly to a participating preschool with your child's birth certificate or passport and PPS number. Your City or County Childcare Committee has the list.
Common questions
How many free hours is ECCE?
15 hours a week: 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 38 weeks a year.
What age can my child start ECCE?
Once they have turned 2 years and 8 months by 31 August of the programme year. There are no exemptions to the lower age limit.
Can a preschool charge a deposit for ECCE?
Yes, but no more than 4 weeks of ECCE payments, and it must be refunded once your child's ECCE registration is approved.
Can I get the NCS and ECCE together?
Yes. The NCS can help with hours outside ECCE, and ECCE hours don't reduce your NCS entitlement.
Does my child need a diagnosis to get AIM support?
No. AIM is based on the child's needs and does not require a diagnosis of disability.