Government childcare supports
Eligible families may benefit from Irish government childcare supports. Here is an overview of the main schemes and where to find official information.
ECCE Scheme
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a government-funded scheme that provides a free preschool year to eligible children before they start primary school. The scheme is designed to give children access to quality early years education in the years before school.
- Available to eligible children in the years before primary school
- Provides free preschool hours during the school year
- Delivered by qualified early years educators
- We offer ECCE places at our centres — contact us to check availability
Eligibility depends on your child's date of birth. For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, please visit the official DCEDIY website.
Official ECCE InformationNational Childcare Scheme (NCS)
The National Childcare Scheme is a government support that helps families with the cost of childcare. It provides subsidies based on family income and circumstances, making quality childcare more affordable for eligible families.
- Income-based subsidies for families who qualify
- Universal subsidies available for certain age groups
- Can be used with registered childcare providers
- We participate in the NCS — ask us for details
For the most accurate and current information on eligibility, subsidy rates and how to apply, please visit the official NCS website.
Official NCS InformationThe information on this page is intended as a general overview only and does not constitute advice. Eligibility criteria, subsidy amounts and scheme details are set by the Irish government and may change. Always check the official government websites for the most current information before making decisions.
Need help understanding your options?
Our team can help you navigate the schemes and understand how they apply to your family.