Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2019
165. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a matter regarding the operation of the ECCE scheme will be investigated (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21211/19]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal programme available to all children within the eligible age range. It provides children with their first formal experience of early learning prior to commencing primary school. The programme is provided free of charge in return for the ECCE capitation for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks and the programme year runs from September to June. Childcare providers cannot charge for any activities/items which form part of the ECCE service. A full or part-time provider may choose to prioritise a free pre-school place for a child who will be availing of a full- or part-time place over a child who wishes only to avail of the free pre-school element but they cannot make extra hours obligatory.
Childcare providers may charge for optional extras, but where a parent/guardian does not choose any of the optional extras, their child must be provided with the full ECCE service provision. A sessional service provider may offer an additional 30 minutes per day but this must be categorised as an optional extra. Services cannot prioritise ECCE places on the basis of uptake of optional extras and as stated, a parent may decide not to avail of any optional extras.
If the Deputy is aware of any specific service that is in breach of the ECCE programme rules in this regard they should contact my Department with the details of the service involved.
