The Government under The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) has introduced the following childcare funding Programmes:
- Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)
- National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
ECCE Information 2023/2024
The Free Pre-school Year in the Early Childhood Care & Education Programme (ECCE) is a universal childcare programme designed to give children access to up to 2 years free preschool education before they start primary school.
For eligibility information please see the Eligibility for ECCE
*February 2024 Update: The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has released a Frequently Asked Questions for Parents/Guardians Regarding the ECCE Programme. The document can be accessed here.
For further details on the ECCE programme see The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Here is a list of childcare providers in Kerry participating in the ECCE scheme. If you require further information contact Pamela Curran on 066 7181582/ pamela@kerrycountychildcare.com
National Childcare Scheme
There are two types of subsidies available under the National Childcare Scheme for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years:
Universal Subsidies which are not means tested and from September 2024 provide €2.14 per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place for a maximum of 45 hours per week.
Income Assessed Subsidies This subsidy is means tested and will be calculated based on your individual circumstances. Your rate will vary depending on your level of family income, your child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in your family.
The NCS Training Team have developed a series of video resources for parents/applicants and these may be of help for the application process and can also be viewed on the National Childcare Scheme’s YouTube channel Here
For more information please click here