Guides for Parents
Practical information to help you navigate childcare in Ireland.
How to Choose a Crèche in Ireland
A practical checklist — what to look for, questions to ask, and how to check Tusla inspection reports before choosing childcare.
Understanding Tusla Inspection Reports
What Tusla inspections cover, what Compliant and Non-Compliant mean, and how to read an inspection report.
ECCE Scheme Explained — Free Preschool
Everything you need to know about the ECCE free preschool programme — eligibility, hours, how to apply, and how it works with the NCS.
Childcare Costs in Ireland in 2026
An overview of typical childcare fees by service type, what affects pricing, and the government subsidies available to help.
National Childcare Scheme (NCS) Explained
How Ireland's main childcare subsidy works — universal and income-assessed rates, who qualifies, and how to apply via ncs.gov.ie.
Types of Childcare in Ireland
Full day care, sessional, childminders, naíonraí — what each type means, what Tusla regulates, and what suits your child's age and your hours.
What is a Naíonra?
Irish-language preschools explained — how Total Early Immersion works, who runs them, ECCE eligibility, and how to find one near you.
AIM Programme — Childcare for Children with Additional Needs
The Access and Inclusion Model supports children with disabilities to access free ECCE preschool. No diagnosis required — based on assessed need.
Childminders in Ireland — Registration & Tax Relief
Tusla registration rules, NCS eligibility, the €15,000 Childcare Services tax relief, and what the National Action Plan means for parents.