Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1181. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the early childhood care and education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29704/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme is a universal fully funded two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range i.e. a child must have turned 2 years and 8 months on or before 31st August 2022, and not be older than 5 years and 6 months on or before 30th June 2023, to be eligible for the 2022/23 programme year. ECCE is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year and the programme year runs from September to June.
ECCE is provided by Tusla registered community and private providers who enter into funding agreements with my Department to provide ECCE. Payment is on a per-capita basis.
There are currently 105,000 children attending ECCE programmes. The ECCE scheme is not mandatory but is very successful, with more than 95% of the eligible cohort availing of ECCE every year.
Providers offering ECCE must provide an appropriate pre-school educational programme which adheres to the principles and standards of Síolta and Aistear, the national practice frameworks.
More details on the ECCE programme are available on my Department's website at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/2459ee-early-childhood-care-and-education-programme-ecce/.
