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Childcare Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2022

Wednesday, 11 May 2022

Ceisteanna (203)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

203. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason there was a reduction in entry points for the early childhood care and education scheme; the way that the decision was made; the person or body that was consulted in relation to same; the observations that were made arising from such a consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23570/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Prior to September 2018 there were three entry points per year to ECCE (September, January and April) and children had to be at least 3 years old to enter the scheme.  This lead to a situation where there was variation in the number of ECCE weeks a child could qualify for, ranging from between 61 and 88 weeks depending on the date of birth of the child.

The introduction of a single entry point  aligned to the start of the primary school year ensured that all children could receive 2 full years of ECCE, or 76 weeks. This also ensures that all children can experience the full pre-school curriculum. In making this change, the minimum age was also reduced to 2 years 8 months

A single entry point has also streamlined the administration process for providers, making it easier for them to operate and budget for the programme year. In addition it has made it easier parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.

The minimum eligibility age of 2 years and 8 months for the ECCE programme 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 decision making process was informed by representations and feedback from parents, providers and other stakeholders received over the course of that particular approach being in place. Concerns raised generally related to the disparity of entitlements depending on month the child was born and the issues with integrating children into established groups in middle or towards the end of a programme year.

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