The ECCE Scheme
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme allows children to partake in two free years of Preschool Education. The Scheme is available to all children over the age of 2.8 years. There is no additional charges for children eligable under the ECCE Scheme. Children who are not eligable for the ECCE Scheme due to their age, can attend Preschool from the age of 2.4 years the charge for this is €75 per week. Parents, However can offset this weekly cost when they register for the National Childcare Scheme. The National Childcare scheme is a universal scheme available to all parents to aid them with the cost of childcare. A €50 deposit is charged to parents enrolling their child within Busy Bees, this deposit is returned on their first day within the setting.
Participation in a preschool programme provides children with their first formal experience of early learning, the starting-point of their educational and social development outside the home. Children who avail of preschool are more likely to be ready for school and a formal learning and social environment.
For anyone unsure of when there child can avail of there 2 free ECCE preschool years here is a great link that will let you know when your child is eligible.
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