Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
286. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the rationale for the two years and eight months entry age for the early childhood care and education programme; and if flexibility might be considered in cases where a child is marginally under the entry age. [30247/23]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal two year pre-school programme 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 lower ECCE age threshold of 2 years and 8 months has been set to ensure the child is developmentally ready to engage with preschool and the preschool curricular framework. The entry point is designed so that all children within a given 12-month cycle can enter at the same point within that 12 month period and progress as one group. Ensuring children progress and transition with their peers to primary school is considered optimal for child development.
In terms of flexibility regarding the ECCE age criteria, my Department does its best to ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all eligible children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness, it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied evenly. I accept that the use of age limits in a scheme such as ECCE creates a situation whereby a child can fall just outside the age range, however in the interests of fairness and consistency there can be no discretion in this regard. I would also note that all children, regardless of their birth date can avail of two full years of the ECCE programme.
Lastly, my Department has commissioned a review of the ECCE programme which is currently being undertaken by Stranmillis University, Belfast. The ECCE age requirements are being evaluated as part of this review. Any changes to the operation of the scheme requires careful consideration regarding their developmental impacts on children. The ultimate decision as to whether the age requirements should change will be informed by consultation with parents, international experts and ELC professionals.
