In April 2009, the government announced the introduction of The Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE). This scheme which commenced on 1 January 2010 aims to provide one year of free pre-school education to every child in Ireland in the year before they start primary school.

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

The ECCE free Pre-School Year scheme is designed to give your child access to one free year in Pre-School (Playgroup) in the year before they start primary school. Preschool is a unique time in your child’s life and provides children with their first formal experience of early learning, the starting-point of their educational and social development outside the home. In preschool children learn through play, learning by doing.  Playing is one of the most important ways to nurture a child’s development. Play is truly the work of childhood, is fun, and vitally important to young children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Through play, children learn problem-solving, interpersonal skills, communication, and other skills integral to success in school and life. Childcare staff are trained to know how children learn through play, how different types of play supports each Childs development, what materials, toys and equipment are most useful, and the adults role in supporting young children through their daily play.

Will my child be eligible?

The ECCE is open to all children aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on 1 September each year. To avail of the free pre-school year in September 2010, children must have been born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007. Worth noting if your child was born within the months from 2 February 2007 and 30 June 2007, she/he can avail of the free year in either September 2010 or 2011, the parent can choose. However all children receive only 1 year free

EXEMPTIONS TO THE AGE REQUIREMENT

The upper age limit of 4 years 6 months will be extended where a child cannot start primary school until s/he is more than 5 years 6 months of age, due to either the enrolment policy of the local schools or the child having been assessed as developmentally delayed.

In the case of schools enrolment policy the parent must provide a letter from the school Principal and a copy of the schools enrolment policy and forward this to the OMCYA.

In the event of a child with special needs the parent must provide a copy of the HSE assessment a GP letter will not be sufficient.  If the child is on a waiting list for assessment evidence of this can be provided.

How does the free pre-school year work?

There are a number of options: depending on the childcare facility you choose. Children enrolled in a preschool only service will receive preschool free for 3 hours per day five days per week for the school term year 38 weeks. Your childcare service will receive a grant of €64.50 for each child enrolled and Parents will have no additional fees to pay. If a service offers additional activities or services any charges for these are optional and must be agreed to by the parent they are not compulsory Therefore the parent has a choice whether or not they wish their child to participate and your child’s place is still guaranteed as paying for extras is not a condition of initial or continued enrolment.

Children who are in the eligible age bracket and are enrolled in full or part time day care will have the option of choosing either 3 hours free preschool per day over 38 weeks (school term year) with the parent eligible to pay the balance of fees for the additional hours their child is attending day care for a 38 week term and full fees for the remainder of the year or

Free preschool provision for 2 hours and 15 minutes per day five days per week over a 50 week year, the government will contribute €48.50 per week, covering the cost of 2 hours 15 minutes childcare per day for 5 days per week. with the parent eligible to pay the balance of fees for the additional hours their child is attending day care for the remainder of the year

The free preschool year ECCE does not affect any of your other entitlements.

HOW DO I ENROLL MY CHILD

Once you are clear that your child qualifies, (for September 2010 the child was born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007) you can contact your local childcare service /preschool to check they have a vacancy.  A full list of all participating services is available from Monaghan County Childcare Committee 047/72896. You should make an appointment to visit the service. When choosing a childcare service it is important to look at how the various facilities will meet you and your child’s individual needs.  Take time to find and visit facilities in your area. Following the visit, make sure you are happy with the facility and you think your child will be happy there.  You will then be required to complete a registration form to confirm your place.  In September your childcare service will require you to complete a Parental Declaration Form which will then be sent by the service to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

If you have any further queries on the ECCE free pre-school year or for further information relating to childcare in Monaghan please contact Monaghan County Childcare Committee Ltd, 17 The Grange, Plantation Walk, Monaghan. Telephone 047 72896 or email monaghanccc@eircom.net. See also the website www.monaghanchildcare.ie.