In 2010, the government introduced The Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE). This scheme aims to provide funding against one year of pre school education to every child in ireland aged between 3 years 2 months and 4 years 6 months as of 1st September each year. For those children who qualify, the government will contribute funding for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week over a 38 week period only.

• The funding can only be taken for one year an cannot be split over two preschool years ( exceptions to this are children with special needs). 
• A chlld cannot attend part time and avail of the funding even if they qualify for funding at that time.
• The child must attend the full 5 days per week.
• Funding cannot be split between two services and is only available for one year of preschool.
• It is advisable to take the funding the year before a child starts primary school.

The Preschool applies for the funding on your behalf. You are required to fill out a form with your child's details including their PPS number. The funding is paid directly to the preschool.

Your child may change preschool during a school year and a transfer form will be submitted by the new preschool to transfer funding over.