Government Childcare Schemes Available
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme
The Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) is a universal childcare programme designed to give children access to up to 2 years free pre-school education before they start primary school.
Is my child eligible for the ECCE Programme?
Children are eligible for the ECCE Programme once they have turned 2 years and 8 months of age before the 1st of September.
How much will it cost?
If your child is eligible for the free pre-school year then your child is entitled to a pre-school session of 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 38 weeks, for free.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM)
The Better Start Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of support designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. Its goal is to empower service providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can fully participate in the ECCE Programme and reap the benefits of quality Early Learning and Care. The model is designed to be responsive to the needs of each individual child in the context of their preschool setting. It offers tailored, practical support based on need and does not require a formal diagnosis of disability.
What supports are provided under AIM?
There are 7 levels of support available through AIM ranging from universal support to targeted support. Levels 1- 3 of the model involve a suite of universal supports which are designed to promote and support an inclusive culture within preschool settings. However, where a service provider, in partnership with a parent/guardian, considers that some further additional support may be necessary to meet the needs of a particular child, they can apply for one or more targeted supports under Levels 4 – 7 of the model. Further information available at https://aim.gov.ie
National Childcare Scheme
The National Childcare Scheme was launched in November 2019 and supports families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years who are attending any participating Tusla registered childcare service. There are two types of support available under the scheme. A Universal Subsidy is available to all families of children under 3 years and an Income Assessed subsidy, which is means-tested is available to families with children aged 24 weeks to 15 years. It is calculated depending on your level of income, your child’s age and educational stage and the number of children in your family. Further information and applications @www.ncs.gov.ie.
