Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1423. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if children attending ASD preschools are not eligible for an overage ECCE exemption; if ASD preschools are funded separately to the ECCE Programme; the reason a student attending an ASD preschool may be ineligible for an overage exemption despite fulfilling the medical criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1591/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraASD preschools are funded by the Department of Education.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme funded by my Department provides universal, free pre-school to children in 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 for finishing ECCE.
Current policy requires that any request for an overage exemption from ECCE eligibility 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.
It is not possible to comment on eligibility/ineligibility in the absence of specific details.
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.
