Information on Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) Scheme
In January 2010 a universally available preschool year was introduced.
The ECCE programme is a universal two-year preschool programme available to all children within the eligible age range. It provides children with their first formal experience of early learning prior to commencing primary school.
The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year and the programme year runs from September to June each year. There is one point of entry at the beginning of the programme year.
The programme is available to all children who have turned 2 years and 8 months before September as long as they don’t turn 5 years and 6 months at any point during the preschool year.
Childcare services taking part in the ECCE programme must provide an appropriate preschool educational programme which adheres to the principles of Síolta, the national framework for early years care and education.
Services providing the ECCE
The programme is provided in both community and private Tusla registered Early Years Services. A list of Laois services providing the ECCE can be found on our directory page https://www.laoischildcare.ie/directory/
Optional Extras
Childcare services can charge for additional services that they provide, such as additional hours and optional extra activities, such as trips, swimming, parties, etc. Please be advised that parents are not obliged to avail of any optional extras.
Notice required
If a parent/guardian wishes to move their child to another ELC Service provider, parents/guardians must give providers 4 weeks’ notice of a departure from a service (excluding holidays/closed weeks) to the current ELC Service provider.
Find out more about the scheme in the full programme rules document free preschool year.
| The following table sets out relevant eligibility dates by year of birth: Table 1: Eligibility for ECCE by month of birth and of enrolment in pre-school | ||
| Birth date between | Eligible Enrolment date(s) | ECCE end date |
| 1st January 2017 – 31st December 2017 | 1st September 2020 + 1st September 2021 | June 2022 |
| 1st January 2018 – 31st December 2018 | 1st September 2021 + 1st September 2022 | June 2023 |
| 1st January 2019 – 31st December 2019 | 1st September 2022 + 1st September 2023 | June 2024 |
| 1st January 2020 – 31st December 2020 | 1st September 2023 + 1st September 2024 | June 2025 |
| 1st January 2021 – 31st December 2021 | 1st September 2024 + 1st September 2025 | June 2026 |
Private
Private
