Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
1550. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will indicate the eligibility criteria for a child to participate in the free early childhood care and education scheme; and the hourly or weekly rate payable to providers that deliver service under the scheme. [35818/24]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is available to all children within the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. A child must have reached 2 years and 8 months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible.
The minimum eligibility age of 2 years and 8 months was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years’ education and care in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios.
The standard weekly ECCE capitation is €69.00 and is paid pro rata to the number of days a child is registered, subject to attendance requirements, for the 2024/2025 ECCE programme year. ECCE must be available free of charge to parents/guardians for 3 hours a day, 5 days per week for 182 days in return for this capitation.
