Free ECCE Pre-school Year Scheme

Kidology Childcare operates the Free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education scheme (ECCE Scheme) under the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA).

Children enrolled in the service will receive free pre-school provision of 3 hours per day, 5 days a week over a 38 week period (term time) which runs from September to June each year.

A deposit of €100 for the ECCE Programme is taken in advance when a child is given a place. This will be refunded against the first month’s fees in September

What is the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education?

The ECCE programme is designed to give children access to a free pre-school year of appropriate programme-based activities in the year before they start primary school.

Participation in a pre-school programme provides children with their first formal experience of early learning, the starting-point of their educational and social development outside the home. Children who avail of pre-school are more likely to be ready for school and a formal learning and social environment.

In general, each eligible child is entitled to one free pre-school year. Certain children with special needs may avail of a pro-rata provision over two years, provided they fulfil certain conditions.

For further information on the ECCE programme, please click on the link