Q.  My daughter was born in April 2006. Does she qualify for the new Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme and how does the scheme work?

14.02.10

Yes, she does. In fact she qualifies for the scheme in January 2010 and in September 2010 although she can only avail of one year. The scheme provides a free year of preschool education for eligible children. In general, children will be eligible if they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on 1 September of the year that they will be starting. For the start-up phase of the scheme from January 2010, children between 3 years 6 months and 4 years 11 months can avail of free pre-school services. This means that children born between 2 February 2005 and 30 June 2006 (both dates included) are eligible to take part in January 2010. Children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 (both dates included) are eligible to take part in the scheme in September 2010. Children with special needs may be able to get an exemption from the upper age limit.

If your child attends a “sessional” service, such as a playschool, naíonra, Montessori or parent and toddler group, the normal pattern for the free pre-school year will be 3 hours per day over 38 weeks. (For the initial period January/June 2010, the free year lasts for 23 weeks.) If your child attends a full-time or part-time daycare service, the normal pattern for the free pre-school year will be 2 hours and 15 minutes per day over 50 weeks. (For the initial period January/August 2010, the free year lasts for 34 weeks.)

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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