Ready for Pre-school
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
All children can avail of two years of preschool under the universal Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme. There is one point of entry at the beginning of the programme year in September. The programme is free and available to all children who have turned two years and eight months of age by the start of the programme year in September and will not be more than five years and six months by the end of the programme year.
The State pays participating early learning and childcare services a set amount per child to offer the ECCE Programme. In return, participating services provide a preschool service that is free of charge to all children within the qualifying age range. The service is for three hours a day, five days a week, over a period of 38 weeks (see ‘How the ECCE Programme is provided’ below).
Children already attending an early learning and childcare service may simply transfer into the preschool room when they reach the qualifying age. Other children will be leaving the care of their parents or childminder for the first time.
First 5 Transitions Postcard/An Chéad 5 Cárta Poist le hAghaidh Aistrithe
Pre-school helps children:
The ECCE Programme offers both indoor and outdoor learning experiences, as well as opportunities for solo play and group play.
This summer leading up to September you can support your child’s transition to pre-school by ensuring they can:
Because children have spent so much time at home, some children will find it more difficult than usual to separate from their parents when the ECCE Programme commences later this year. Be assured that this is perfectly normal and slow and gradual introduction to pre-school will be necessary for some children. The pre-school staff will be prepared for this and will offer advice and support. Lots and lots of uninterrupted play over the summer will really help.
The latest public health advice from the HSE is available here.
Barnardos have developed a piece for parents on supporting your child’s emotional well-being on their return to Early Learning and Care here.
Over 10 % of pre-schools in Ireland are Irish language pre-schools.
The naíonra is an early-immersion setting for children aged 3-5 years, supervised by an early-years teacher. Children of this age learn through play and this is done through the Irish language in a naíonra setting. A booklet for parents on what to expect in the naíonra is available here.