Centre-based Childcare Facilities

A centre-based facility is ideal for you if you want your child to mix and socialise with similar-aged children in an environment that is centred around early childhood care and education. Whether private or community run they must be registered and inspected by the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the *Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006.

Crèche/Nursery

A Crèche or Nursery provides care for children from six weeks to four or five years and beyond, often integrated with early education and other services such as School Age Childcare. Opening times are typically 7.30am-6.30pm, 50 weeks per year. Places are offered on a part time or full time basis. The Créche/Nursery should offer a key worker system whereby a child is assigned to a particular member of staff to ensure continuity of care between home and the childcare setting.

Pre-School/Playgroup

Pre-Schools/Playgroups provide structured play and learning activities and usually follow a particular curriculum approach to early childhood education and care for the under fives, such as High/Scope, Montessoi* etc. The duration of sessions typically range from 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours per day, five days per week during term-time. Many services extend their service over the summer months by way of offering summer camp activities.

Naíonra/Naíolann

A Naíonra is a playgroup for children who come together daily (usually for 2-3.5 hours) in a pleasant, cheerful and safe environment, under the guidance and supervision of a Naíonra Leader or Stiúrthóir. It is run solely through the medium of Irish. Staff in the Naíonra structure the environment to ensure that all facets of the child’s holistic development are catered for, while giving the child the opportunity to acquire Irish naturally through the medium of play. Naíonra are usually attached to a Gaelscoil whereby, attendance at the Naíonra is a requirement for entry into the Gaelscoil.

A Naíolann is a similar type of service, which is offered on a Full Day Care basis.

Drop-in Service

Drop-in services offer care for children for no more than 2 hours continuingly while parents are availing of a service or attending an event. These are normally found in shopping centres, leisure centres or other establishments as part of customer service.

School Age Childcare

A School Age Childcare (SAC) Service offers school-aged children a safe and stimulating recreational environment in which to play, learn and unwind outside school hours. Currently SAC services do not come under the Pre-school Services Regulations as these apply only to services for children aged up to 6 years. SAC services should however, follow best practice guidelines as outlined in ‘School Age Childcare in Ireland’, Childcare Directorate Department of Justice, Equality, and Law Reform, June 2005.

Parent and Toddler Groups

Parent and Toddler Groups offer parents and carers the opportunity to meet locally with their children on an informal regular basis. Parent and Toddler Groups meet one or two mornings per week and parents contribute a small fee per day. Some Parent and Toddler sessions are facilitated by Play Workers arranged by DCCC to work alongside parents and children in order to share interaction techniques and model play opportunities, which can be replicated at home. The attending parent/carer is responsible for the care and supervision of the child at all times.