ECCE Scheme Explained — Free Preschool in Ireland

What Is the ECCE Scheme?

The ECCE programme provides up to two years of free preschool education for children before they start primary school. It is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and delivered through participating early years services across Ireland.

The programme is free for parents — the government pays a capitation fee directly to the childcare provider. Some providers may charge for optional extras (such as meals, outings, or extended hours), but the core ECCE hours must be provided free of charge.

Who Is Eligible?

Your child is eligible for ECCE if they are aged between 2 years 8 months and 5 years 6 months on 1 September of the programme year. Eligibility is based solely on your child's date of birth — there is no means test or income threshold.

Children can participate for up to two programme years, depending on their age when they start. The programme year runs from September to June, in line with the school year.

Note: Age eligibility criteria may be updated by the DCEDIY. Check citizensinformation.ie for the most current information.

How Many Hours Do You Get?

The ECCE programme provides 15 hours per week of free preschool, typically delivered as 3 hours per day, 5 days per week. Providers may offer different session patterns (e.g., longer days over fewer days), but the total weekly hours remain the same.

If you need more than 15 hours per week (e.g., if you work full time), you can use the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) to subsidise additional hours.

How to Apply for ECCE

1. Find a participating service — Not all crèches and preschools participate in ECCE. When browsing facilities, ask the provider if they offer ECCE places.
2. Register your child — Contact the service directly to reserve a place. Demand can be high, so enquire early.
3. Complete the registration form— The service provider will give you a parent registration form. You'll need your child's PPS number.
4. The provider handles the rest— The service submits the registration to the DCEDIY and receives the capitation payment directly. You don't pay for the ECCE hours.

ECCE and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)

The National Childcare Scheme is a separate government programme that provides subsidies towards childcare costs. It can be used alongside ECCE — for example, to cover the cost of hours beyond the 15 free ECCE hours per week.

NCS subsidies are available on a universal basis (for all families) and on an income-assessed basis (with higher subsidies for lower incomes). You apply through the NCS website.

Frequently Asked Questions