Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
283. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason an application for ECCE time extension exemption for a child (details supplied) was refused; whether the professional medical letter issued by the CDNT in support of the time extension was fully reviewed; whether this refusal will be reviewed and a time extension will be granted upon review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5808/24]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, funded by my Department, provides universal, free pre-school to children within the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. The upper age limit of 5 years and 6 months for ECCE was set in consultation with the Department of Education and ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers.
In a limited number of circumstances, it is possible to apply for an exemption to the upper age limit of 5 years 6 months where a child has special/additional needs.
Current policy requires that if a child is of school-going age, any request for an overage exemption to the ECCE programme must be supported by a letter from a medical specialist/social worker (not a GP/Public Health Nurse), specifically recommending why an ECCE service would meet the child’s specific needs in a more appropriate way than a primary school. This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of a parent or other in relation to a child's needs, but, rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying exemptions.
The letter provided to support the application did not specifically recommend an additional year in ECCE or specifically state in the clinicians' views how the child referred would benefit by remaining in the ECCE programme instead of progressing to primary school with their peers.
In deciding on applications for exemptions to the ECCE age requirements, my Department is guided by a review of the over-age exemption process which was carried out in 2018 by the National Disability Authority (NDA) for this Department and the Department of Education.
In their published report, the NDA concluded that it is in the best interest of children with additional needs to transition to primary school with their age cohort.
Parents requiring additional supports for their child in a primary school setting should seek the assistance of the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in this regard.
