ECCE Scheme
Introduction of a free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
As part of the April 2009 Budget, a new scheme to provide for a free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) was announced by the Government.
The announcement of a free pre-school year for all children was a landmark development in the provision of early childhood care and education services for young children in Ireland. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) and is open to all private and community pre-school services which meet the requirements of the scheme.
Downloads
ECCE Parents Guide 2012
ECCE Section for Providers
ECCE FEE POLICIES AND CALENDARS
Click the links below to download a copy of the ECCE fee policy, Calendar or Guide. Closing date for returns is Friday 21st June 2013.
Guide to completing the ECCE Fees Policy 2013
Optional Extras list Sept 2013
UPDATE ON MIMIMUM ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2013
Under paragraph 10 of the ECCE contract (Appendix 1 – General Terms and Conditions) childcare services participating in the ECCE programme are expected to have a minimum enrolment of 8 children in their pre-school year. Subject to compliance with all other contractual requirements, smaller services may also participate in certain circumstances.
Compliance with this condition has not, in general, been insisted upon in the past, with the result that there are many services participating in the programme on the basis of enrolments of two or three children (or even fewer).
The minimum enrolment number is based on what is considered the minimum appropriate number for the fostering of pro-social behaviour and cognitive development. It is important that the pre-school classroom should provide stimulating, motivating activities that promote student involvement, where individual choices are encouraged and where there is an opportunity for children to engage with a diverse range of friends.
While it was appropriate to be flexible in terms of this condition in the early years of the programme, it is intended that a stricter approach to the requirement will be taken with effect from September 2013. Accordingly, childcare service providers wishing to continue to participate in the ECCE programme from September 2013 will be required to declare that they will have the minimum numbers required in order to deliver an appropriate ECCE programme.
The Early Education Unit has indicated that, while not ideal, it would be possible to deliver a good ECCE programme curriculum to a group of five or more children in the pre-school age-group (i.e. between 2½ and 6 years); it is not necessary for all of the children to be enrolled in the ECCE programme. In other words, provided that the service has a pre-school group of not fewer than five children, they will be permitted to participate.
To this end, the application form and the re-application form for September 2013 have been amended to include a statement to this effect. The provider’s signature on the form will represent a declaration that the minimum enrolment requirement will be complied with.
The minimum enrolment condition will form part of the ECCE programme requirements, compliance with which will be checked by representatives of Pobal when they carry out their on-site compliance visits.
UPDATE ON ECCE FEE POLICY
Optional Extras
The revised Information Note on Optional Extras under the ECCE programme (availible from the link below) has been amended in relation to gardening, baking, pedagogical documentation and drama / school play productions. These may now be included as optional extras on fees policies as long as the conditions set out with each one are met e.g. that to charge for gardening as an optional extra, it must be an education component e.g. with a child caring for a plant during the course of the year.
Monthly rates
To Calculate the ECCE monthly rates (revised)
If a childcare provider in the ECCE programme is open for 50 weeks and is charging fees per month (e.g. €750 per month) for full day care (FDC) the following calculations on the Fees Policy should apply.
Firstly the service marks out their ECCE and non-ECCE weeks on the Pre-school Calendar. This will then highlight the ECCE weeks and the non-ECCE weeks that they are open for. Parents are then given the option to choose if they wish to pay for these non-ECCE weeks as they occur or if they opt for them at the beginning of the year it can be calculated in their monthly calculation (template letter enclosed).
To calculate the weekly rate the monthly rate of €750 is multiplied by the number of months from September to June, 10, and then divided by the number of weeks the service is open between September and June, (ECCE 38 weeks + non-ECCE if open e.g. 4 = 42 weeks).
€750 x 10 / 42 = €178.57 per week
The ECCE weekly rate is then €178.57 – €62.50 (e.g. standard rate) = €116.07
These rates then appear on the Fees Policy as non-ECCE FDC €178.57 ECCE €116.07
To calculate the ECCE monthly rate is €116.07 x 38 weeks /10 months (Sept – June) = €441.07
On a separate sheet the monthly rates would be non-ECCE €750 ECCE €441.07
If a parent chooses as an optional extra more than the 38 weeks e.g. 40 weeks Halloween and a week at Easter and wishes these included in their monthly payments, it would be calculated as follows:
€116.07 x 38 weeks + (€178.57 x 2) / 10 =
€4,410.66 + €357.14 / 10 = €476.78 per month
If a parent chooses the month of July and August these would be charged at the normal rate for the service e.g. €750.
If a parent chooses all 50 weeks the monthly rates would be calculated as follows:
€116.07 x 38 weeks + (€178.57 x 4) / 10 =
€4,410.66 + €714.28 / 10 = €512.49 for Sept – June and revert to €750 for July and August
Services may not include the July and August weeks when deducting the ECCE capitation.
Template Letter for Parents re: Monthly Rates
Higher Capitation
Services in receipt of the higher capitation rate of €73 per week per child and who provide more than the standard ECCE hours (3 hours per day, 5 days per week, 38 weeks per year) are not required to deduct the full amount of the higher capitation from the non-ECCE rate. The standard rate of €62.50 can be deducted, with the balance of the capitation being allowed to the provider to compensate for the additional cost of employing higher qualified staff.
It is open to providers to deduct the full amount of the higher capitation from the non-ECCE rate if they wish.
If your Fees Policy for September 2012 needs to be revised, please use the Fees Policy forms below.
Other Options
If a service is charging a daily rate e.g. optional half hour, they should also have a weekly rate for ECCE and non-ECCE specified on the form. Specific 2 day, 3 day, 4 day rates may also apply and should be listed under other options. If a higher capitation rate is approved for the service, it should be taken from the 5 day non-ECCE rate. Services should explain if a quarter hour rate is inserted in the optional hours as they should be in increments of half hour. A quarter hour rate may be the drop off and collection times which should not be included in the optional extras as no educational programme is being taught.
Money clubs – Payment for non-ECCE weeks spread between 38 and 52 weeks
To spread the cost of the non-ECCE weeks over the course of the year parents and providers may come to a separate agreement such as a moneyclub where extra money is given by the parent to the provider. At the outset it must be clearly understood that the Childcare Directorate will not become involved either by mediation or adjudication of disputes arising out of any such agreements made outside of the ECCE programme. Any arrangement must be separate to the fees being charged for the ECCE weeks and shown by a separate direct debit or other arrangement. It is also advisable that there is a written agreement surrounding this arrangement to avoid disputes e.g. what happens to the funds should a child leave before the end of the non-ECCE weeks involved (e.g. August 2012). As this arrangement would be outside of the ECCE programme it should not effect the ECCE place.
Early Drop off and Late Collections
A service may charge a penalty for children being dropped off early to a service or being collected late where specific time frames have been notified to parents. If this applies it should be specified in their Enrolment Policies. It should also specify the earliest a child may be dropped in early e.g. 8.45 a.m. for 9 a.m. start without a penalty and the same for the collection times e.g. no penalty for a collection up to 12.15 p.m. for a class finishing at noon. Before and after the times specified it may state the standard penalty which applies (ECCE and non-ECCE alike). As this is not for optional time offered by a service but to pay the childcare service to operate early or stay late the penalty rate charged is up to the service.
ECCE FEE POLICIES AND CALENDARS
Click the links below to download a copy of the ECCE fee policy, Calendar or Guide
Guide to Completing the ECCE Fees Policy
Changes to the ECCE Scheme for September 2012
See link below to DCYA funding page with details of revisions to the scheme for September 2012
DCYA Guide to the ECCE for 2012
1. Overview of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme
2. Applications by service providers to enter or re-enter the programme
2.1 Minimum size of service
2.2 Staff Qualifications
2.2.1 Qualifications that are equivalent to a nationally accredited major award at Level 5
2.2.2 Legacy awards
2.2.3 International Qualifications
2.2.4 Interim Measure relating to qualifications
2.3 Higher capitation fee
2.4 Staff Ratios
2.5 HSE compliance
2.6 Contract
2.7 Electronic Fund Transfer
2.8 Tax Clearance
2.9 Outstanding Debts to the Department
2.10 Optional Additional Charges
2.11 Closure of services, moving premises, or transfer of ownership
3. Eligibility Criteria
4. Electronic Returns
5. Payments
6. Changes in enrolment details after the Electronic Returns have been submitted
6.1 New/Late Entrants
6.2 Transferring from one Service Provider to another
6.3 Settling-In Period
6.4 Child ceasing to avail of the ECCE programme
6.5 Transfer from the ECCE programme to the Community Childcare Subvention Programme (CCS), or from the CCS to the ECCE programme
6.5.1. Settling-In Transfer from the ECCE programme to the CCS programme
6.5.2. Transfer from the CCS programme to the ECCE programme between January and March 2013
6.5.3. Transfer from the ECCE programme to the CCS programme between January and March 2013
6.6 Transfer from the ECCE programme to the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme
6.7 Transfer from CETS programme to ECCE programme
6.8 Change in level of service
6.9 referral of ECCE place to the following year
6.10 Appeals
7. Applications to waive the upper age limit and for pro-rata arrangements for children with special needs
1. Overview of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme
The free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced with effect from January 2010. The programme is administered by the Childcare Directorate of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, with the local operation of the programme managed by the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
Children qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September in the relevant pre-school year. This means that children born between 2 February 2008 and 30 June 2009 (both dates inclusive) will qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2012, and children born between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2010 (both dates inclusive) will qualify in September 2013.
The objective of the ECCE programme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year are required to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. For this reason, it is necessary to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will qualify to participate in the programme.
Both community and commercial service providers can apply to participate in the ECCE programme. The object of the programme is to benefit children in the key developmental period by providing a free pre-school year in the year before they start primary school.
The free pre-school year is delivered on the basis of 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, 38 weeks per year. It is not mandatory that children attend every day but, where they do not, the capitation fee will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.
Payment under the ECCE programme is by way of capitation fees which are paid directly to the service provider. A capitation fee is payable in respect of each eligible child enrolled in the free pre-school year, on a pro-rata basis if applicable. A higher rate of capitation is payable in respect of certain pre-school services with more highly qualified staff.
It is a fundamental principle of the scheme that the pre-school year is available free to parents, and all participating services are obliged to meet the costs of the free pre-school year out of the capitation fees. Services may, however, charge parents for additional services provided, including additional hours and additional activities, provided that certain rules are followed in relation to such charges.
2. Applications by service providers to enter or re-enter the programme
The deadline for applications for entry or re-entry to the ECCE programme from September 2012 is 30th March 2012 . Services which are already participating in the programme will be sent a Re-Entry Application form by their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC). This form must be completed and returned to the CCC by 30th March 2012. Services which are not currently participating in the programme but wish to enter should contact their local CCC to request an application form. This form must be completed and returned to the CCC by 30th March 2012.
The CCC carries out an initial appraisal of each application and liaises with the local HSE Pre-school Inspector regarding the service’s regulatory compliance. The CCC will compile and collate all relevant information in relation to applications and, provided the HSE requirements are met and the CCC has no reservations, the CCC will recommend the application. The collated information and hard copies of the applications are returned to the Childcare Directorate.
When received by the Childcare Directorate, the applications are examined for (a) staff qualifications, (b) notification to the HSE, (c) Tax Clearance, and (d) outstanding debts to the Department. If everything is in order, the applications are submitted for approval of the contract.
2.1 Minimum size of service
Services are expected to have a minimum enrolment of at least 8 eligible children to participate in the programme, and a service that does not have this level of participation has no entitlement to be funded under the programme. Exceptions to this minimum requirement will be considered where, for good reason, a service which is an appropriate setting for the pre-school year has (a) an enrolment of at least 8 children of whom at least 3 qualify for the programme and the remainder will qualify in the following year, or (b) is a smaller service which has an enrolment of not fewer than 5 childrenin their pre-school year.
2.2 Staff Qualifications
Pre-school leaders in the programme must, by September 2012, hold a nationally accredited major award at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) (or equivalent) in childcare/ early childhood care and education.
A nationally accredited major award at Level 5 is currently accredited by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) but will in future be accredited by the new Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority. A major award at Level 5 has 8 component (minor) awards, i.e.
* Four mandatory component awards related to the required skills and knowledge needed for practice in early childhood care and education settings, e.g. Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Working in Childcare
AND
* Two general component awards (mandatory), one being work experience/practice-related and another drawn from a list of core skills areas, e.g. Communications, Information Technology
AND
* Two component awards drawn from a pool of elective subjects which may relate to specific areas of practice in early childhood care and education, e.g. working with children with additional needs.
For more details of the structure of Level 5 awards visit the FETAC website.
2.2.1 Qualifications that are equivalent to a nationally accredited major award at Level 5
There are two types of qualifications that fall into this category. These are:
(a) Legacy awards made by Irish awarding bodies prior to the establishment of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
(b) Awards made by international awarding bodies
2.2.2 Legacy awards
This term refers to awards in Childcare made by the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA) or FÁS. These bodies made awards at Levels 1, 2 and 3 and these are now placed on the NFQ at Levels 4, 5 and 6. Therefore, if you have an award certificate issued by NCVA or FÁS for a level 2 Major award, i.e. all required elements have been completed, this is recognised as equivalent to a Major Level 5 award.
2.2.3 International Qualifications
Many staff in ECCE settings in Ireland have undertaken programmes of study leading to awards accredited in the United Kingdom. In many cases, the awarding bodies that accredited the awards have gone through processes to establish the equivalence of their awards with Irish awards. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) has current responsibility for the recognition of international awards in Ireland and more information on this can be found on www.nqai.ie or www.qualrec.ie . The NQAI will be subsumed into the new Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority.
Qualifications from the UK can be also checked online at the Children’s Workforce Development Council qualification database at www.cwdcouncil.org.uk. In general, if a UK award has been made at Level 3, it is equivalent to a Level 5 award in Ireland.
NOTE: The NQAI will not comment on the relevance of the award for the ECCE programme, only the level to which it is equivalent in Ireland. The Childcare Directorate reserves the right to determine the relevance of the award.
Qualifications from other countries can be checked with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. For details of the process of qualification recognition see www.qualrec.ie
2.2.4 Interim Measure relating to qualifications
During the period up to September 2012, pre-school practitioners who had achieved non-nationally accredited qualifications in a relevant discipline or who had not achieved a major award were accepted as pre-school leaders for the ECCE programme if their qualifications covered the specified core knowledge areas of Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Working in Childcare, and Caring for Children 0 – 6, AND they had at least two years experience of working in a position of responsibility with children in the 0 to 6 age group. This was on an interim basis only. From September 2012, in order to be accepted for in the ECCE programme, pre-school leaders must hold a nationally accredited major award at FETAC Level 5 (or equivalent) in childcare or early childhood care and education.
We fully appreciate that some staff may still be in the process of completing courses as this deadline approaches. In such cases, where the service can demonstrate that a pre-school leader has substantially completed a programme of learning leading to a major award, a flexible approach will be taken and where all other criteria have been met, contracts for the programme will be renewed. This flexible approach will be taken only in respect of services already participating in the programme. All new services applying to participate in the programme from September 2012 must have pre-school leaders with full qualifications as outlined above.
2.3 Higher capitation fee
A higher capitation fee is payable to pre-school service providers where all pre-school leaders delivering the pre-school service hold a bachelor degree in childhood/early education (minimum of Level 7 on the NFQ or equivalent) and have 3 years experience working in the sector, and where all pre-school assistants in the service hold a relevant major award in childcare/early education at level 5 on the NFQ or its equivalent. To apply for Higher Capitation please use Application for Higher Capitation Form
Not all Level 7 or 8 awards are acceptable as qualifying for the higher capitation fee. In order for an award to qualify, it must include significant content in core knowledge areas such as child development 0-6 years and early childhood education theory and practice. For example, secondary school teaching qualifications are not acceptable as they do not cover these core knowledge areas.
As with lower level awards, international awards at higher level may be recognised as meeting the qualification criteria. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland can advise on the equivalent level of the award on the Irish NFQ (www.qualrec.ie). However, the Childcare Directorate reserves the right to determine the relevance of the content of the award.
It is stressed that the higher qualified staff attracting the higher capitation rate must work directly with the children at all times during the ECCE sessions. If this rule is not observed, services are in breach of their contractual obligations, and will lose the higher capitation rate.
2.4 Staff Ratios
From September 2012, new staff ratios will apply in respect of the pre-school session element of services for service providers participating in the ECCE Programme. This will also affect the space ratios and sanitary accommodation requirements.
The minimum number of pre-school leaders and assistants in the free Pre-School Year service will be as follows:
Up to 11 children: 1 pre-school leader
12-22 children: 1 pre-school leader and 1 pre-school assistant
23-33 children: 2 pre-school leaders and 1 pre-school assistant
34-44 children: 2 pre-school leaders and 2 pre-school assistants
and so on.
For each maximum group size of up to 22 children in an ECCE setting there must be at least 1 pre-school leader who meets the qualification requirements outlined above (i.e. minimum NFQ Level 5 or equivalent).
The staff ratios outlined above apply to the sessional pre-school element of the service only, and only where all of the children in question are within the eligible age-range (i.e. where the children are between the ages of 2.5 years and 6 years).
Outside of the pre-school session, providers must apply the staff ratios in respect of full-time, part-time or sessional services as outlined in the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006.
Space/area ratios per child
In order to allow for the implementation of the new adult:child ratios, it is proposed that a new space/area requirement of 1.818m2 per child will be applied. This will allow service providers to cater for additional children as set out below:
| Current number of children/places in a setting | Additional children/places under new arrangements |
| Fewer than 10 | 0 |
| 10 – 19 | 1 additional place |
| 20 | Up to 2 additional places |
The space/area requirement per child in all other instances remains unchanged.
Sanitary Accommodation
Where service providers are in a position to apply the new adult:child ratios outlined above, the number of WC/WHBs required will also change in line with the new ratios, i.e. for every 11 toilet-using children there must be 1 toilet and 1 wash hand basin.
2.5 HSE compliance
Participating pre-school services are required to be notified to the Health Service Executive (HSE). A list of all applicants for entry or re-entry to the programme is forwarded by the CCC to the local Pre-School Inspector. The Inspector will advise the CCC where an applicant is not notified to them. In addition, where a pre-school service is being prosecuted by the HSE for non-compliance with the Pre-School Regulations, the HSE will advise the Childcare Directorate of the position. A service which has been closed for reasons of child welfare and protection, or which has been successfully prosecuted, may not be admitted to the programme. Where these circumstances apply to a service already participating in the programme, the contract may be terminated.
2.6 Contract
A list of all the applicant services who meet the requirements for entry to the programme will be submitted for approval of contract. Two copies of the programme contracts will be issued to approved applicants. The applicant is required to sign both copies of the contract and return them to their local CCC. In the case of commercial providers, the contract must be signed by the owner of the service. In the case of community providers, including School Boards of Management, the contract must be signed by a member of the Board of Management.
The CCCs collate all the signed contracts and return them to the Childcare Directorate. Both copies of the contracts are signed by an authorised signatory in Childcare Directorate. One copy is returned to the applicant and the other is placed on the applicant’s file. In general, this process is completed by the end of July each year. However, a later date may be accepted where the Childcare Directorate considers this appropriate.
2.7 Electronic Fund Transfer
Payments under the ECCE programme are made via electronic fund transfer. To facilitate this, service providers must advise the Childcare Directorate of their bank account details using ECCE Form 8: EFT new service. If a provider changes his or her bank account for any reason, s/he must notify the Childcare Directorate as soon as possible, using ECCE Form 9: EFT change in bank details
2.8 Tax Clearance
Services are required to demonstrate tax compliance by providing a valid, up-to-date Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) from the Revenue Commissioners when returning their application form to the CCC. The TCC must be in the name of the provider or the service; certificates in the name of another person will not be accepted. Services participating in the programme are responsible for ensuring that a renewed TCC is provided to the Childcare Directorate when it falls due.
Where a service is awaiting a TCC at the time of application to enter the programme, this should be noted on the application form. Contracts will not be entered into with service providers who cannot prove their tax compliance. No payments in respect of ECCE services will be issued in the absence of an up-to-date Tax Clearance Certificate.
2.9 Outstanding Debts to the Department
Each application is checked against the Childcare Directorate’s database to confirm whether there is an outstanding debt due from the provider in respect of the ECCE programme, and contracts may not be entered into with services who have outstanding debts. Where a contract is issued to such services, the debt will be automatically deducted from future payments due.
2.10 Optional Additional Charges
It is a fundamental principle of the ECCE programme that participating service providers must operate the pre-school provision free to parents in return for the applicable capitation fee, and parents should be given access to the service where their child only attends the pre-school element. However, service providers may charge parents for optional additional services as follows:
* hours which are additional to the free Pre-School Year requirement. In the case of a full or part-time service, the service provider will offer additional hours to the pre-school provision which they will charge for. In the case of a sessional service provider, an additional 30 minutes per day may be offered as an optional addition which can be charged for. A part-time service provider can offer up to 2 hours per day as an optional addition which can be charged for.
* optional additional services can also take the form of various one-off or on-going activities or services such as outings, specific teaching resources such as dance or music, and food, but must not include activities which would generally be regarded as a normal part of a pre-school service, e.g. general arts and crafts activities.
In all cases, service providers must ensure that parents are aware that their agreement to additional hours or to any optional charge is not compulsory, and that agreement to additional hours or optional charges is not a condition of initial or continued enrolment. In additional appropriate programme-based activities must be provided to children not participating in an optional activity where such activities take place during the required period of pre-school provision.
Booking deposits may be taken from parents provided that the required deposit does not exceed four times the weekly capitation fee applicable to the service, and provided it is repaid to parents by the end of October 2012 (or October 2013 in the case of the pre-school year 2013/2014).
The service provider may seek voluntary donations from parents, provided that such donations are not a condition of enrolment in the ECCE programme, and are anonymous.
The Guide to completing the ECCE fees policy, which will be sent to participating service providers by the local CCC, includes details relating to the rules governing optional additional charges and voluntary donations.
2.11 Closure of services, moving premises, or transfer of ownership
Closure of service
Where a participating pre-school service closes in the course of a pre-school year, the provider must notify the Department and the local CCC immediately. The CCC will advise in relation to placing the children in another service and the completion of transfer forms. Any funding paid to the closing service for the provision of the pre-school year for a period beyond the date of closure must be repaid to the Department. Capitation fees in respect of any children transferring to a new service will be transferred to the new service with effect from the date the child commences in that service.
Moving premises
Where a participating pre-school service moves premises in the course of a pre-school year, the provider must notify the Department and the local CCC immediately. The Department and the CCC will require details of the new address and any changes in other contact details, such as telephone number or e-mail address. A new contract will issue to the provider. As a new reference number will be assigned to the service, transfer forms must be completed in respect of all children in the service, even where all of the children are transferring to the new premises. The transfer forms must be returned to the Department.
Change of Ownership
Where there is a change of ownership of a service in the course of a pre-school year, this change must be notified to the Department and the local CCC as soon as possible. A Change of Ownership form ECCE Form 12: Change of Ownership must be completed, requiring input from and the signatures of both the original owner and the new owner. In addition, the new owner must complete an ECCE application form and be approved for entry to the programme. Both forms will be available from the CCC. On approval, a new contract will be issued to the new owner. As the new owner will be assigned a different reference number, transfer forms must be completed in respect of all children in the service, and returned to the Department.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Children qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September in the relevant pre-school year. This means that children born between 2 February 2008 and 30 June 2009 (both dates inclusive) will qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2012, and children born between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2010 (both dates inclusive) will qualify in September 2013.
The objective of the ECCE programme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year are required to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. For this reason, it is necessary to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will qualify to participate in the programme.
There are no exceptions to the lower age-limit.
The upper age limit of 4 years 6 months may be extended where a child is not in a position to commence primary school until s/he is more than 5 years 7 months of age, due either to the enrolment policy of the local school or because s/he has been assessed as developmentally delayed. Applications for an extension of the upper age limit will be examined on a case-by-case basis (see Section 7 of this Guide for more details).
Please note that under the Education and Welfare Act 2000 all children must be enrolled in a primary school by the time they reach their 6th birthday. Therefore, a child who will reach the age of 6 in the course of the pre-school year commencing September 2012 will not be permitted to participate in the ECCE programme. Parents should contact their local primary school or Special Education Needs Organiser (www.ncse.ie).
Each eligible child is entitled to one free pre-school year, which must be availed of in one continuous provision (e.g. from September 2012 to June 2013). Children with special needs may avail of a pro-rata provision over two years, provided they fulfil certain conditions (see Section 7 of this Guide for more details).
The eligibility of each child enrolled in the ECCE programme will be verified through the Department of Social Protection by reference to the child’s date of birth and Personal Public Services Number (PPSN). It is in the interest of service providers to request proof of a child’s date of birth and PPSN, as any errors in these details on the electronic return will result in payments being delayed while the details are being validated manually. Proof of a child’s PPSN can take the form of a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Payment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection.
The Department of Education and Skills provides for an Early Start programme for pre-school children at risk of educational disadvantage. Eligible children may be enrolled in either the Early Start programme or the ECCE programme. Children are not eligible to be enrolled in both programmes.
4. Electronic Returns
Applicants who have entered into contract for the programme will receive a Returns Information Pack, normally in August. This pack contains blank Parent Declaration forms / letters, instructions for completing and submitting the return, and the Service Declaration Form (which contains the e-form password and User-ID). Services are required to distribute the letters and forms to parents early in September, to be returned to the service by a specified date.
The service must then make an electronic return to the Childcare Directorate in respect of all the children attending the ECCE programme, using the information collected. This information includes details of each child’s date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPSN).
The date by which the electronic return must be submitted will be indicated in the Returns Information Pack.
The completed Parental Declaration forms and the completed Service Declaration form must be returned to the Childcare Directorate as soon as possible following submission of the electronic return and after the service has confirmed with the local CCC that the electronic return has been received by Childcare Directorate.
The electronic returns from services are collated and examined by the Childcare Directorate. The PPSNs of the children included on the return are sent to the Department of Social Protection for verification of the dates of birth.
On return from the Department of Social Protection, the verified data is transferred to the ECCE database. The level of funding due to each service is calculated, and each service is sent (by e-mail) a list which includes details of the children included in their return, the level of service for each child, and the status of their verification. This process is normally completed by the end of October each year.
However, if a child has been registered by a service under this programme, but never actually attended the service, Childcare Directorate should be notified and no payment will be made in respect of that child. The deposit received from the parent should cover any loss to the service.
5. Payments
Because the actual amount due in respect of capitation fees for the first term of the pre-school year will not be available until at least the end of October each year, an advance payment to services is made in late August. The advance payment covers the capitation fee for the first 8 weeks of the September term. In the case of services which participated in the programme during the previous year, the advance payment is calculated (as a maximum) on the basis of an 8 week payment for the number of children enrolled the previous year. In the case of services new to the programme, the advance payment will be limited to an 8 week payment in respect of up to 5 children.
Following verification of the data provided in the electronic returns, a balancing payment is issued. This payment covers the total amount due to the service for the first pre-school term based on the number of children actually attending the service, and verified by the Department of Social Protection as eligible for the programme, minus the advance payment already made and minus any overpayment carried forward from the previous contract period. This balancing payment is usually made before the end of October.
Payment in respect of the January term is issued as early as possible in January; payment in respect of the April term is issued in early April.
Details of the pre-school terms and the expected payment dates for the ECCE contract period commencing in September 2012 will be on this website www.dcya.gov.ie closer to the time.
Service providers should note the following:
* Payments will not be made to services where the tax clearance certificate provided is out-of-date; it is the responsibility of the service provider to ensure that a current TCC has been submitted to Childcare Directorate.
* The main term payments may not include adjustments in respect of children moving into or out of the service for any reason. These adjustments have to be processed manually, and may not have been processed when the main term payment is calculated, which is usually about two weeks before the payment issues. Where an additional payment is due to providers in respect of a transfer, this will be paid as soon as possible. Where a decrease in payment applies, this amount will be deducted from future payments due.
* Where it is not possible to deduct overpayments from future payments due within a particular contract period (i.e. if the funding due to the provider will be insufficient to recover the overpayment), service providers will be required to repay the amount by refunding the funds directly to the Childcare Directorate. Contracts will not be issued to providers in respect of future contract periods where outstanding overpayments have not been refunded, or where arrangements for repayment have not been agreed with the Childcare Directorate.
6. Changes in enrolment details after the Electronic Returns have been submitted
6.1 New/Late Entrants
Where a child joins the pre-school service after the beginning of the September term, and has not been included on the electronic return, a new entrant application form must be completed (ECCE Form 1: New Entrant). The completed form, which requires input from both the service provider and the parent, must be sent to the Childcare Directorate, together with a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport and a copy of official proof of the child’s PPSN (i.e. a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Payment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection). When the details have been checked and verified, the additional payment due to the service provider will issue as soon as possible.
6.2 Transferring from one Service Provider to another
Parents may choose to transfer their children from one service to another at any stage in the pre-school year. However, in order to exercise this option, the parent must give written notice of the transfer request to the first provider at least 4 weeks in advance of the date of transfer. Parents are required to complete a transfer form (ECCE Form 2: Tranfers) which requires input from the manager of the existing service and the manager of the new service, and which must be signed by both managers as well as the parent. The form must then be submitted to the Childcare Directorate so that the capitation fee for the child can be transferred. The capitation fee will be transferred from the first service provider to the second service provider with effect from the date of the transfer. For this reason, both the first and the second service providers should ensure that the correct date of transfer is recorded on the form. Any capitation fee already issued to the first service provider in respect of that child for a period following the date of transfer will be deducted from future payments due to that service.
If the form has not been fully and properly completed, Childcare Directorate will contact both service providers to confirm the details of the proposed transfer. As this may delay processing of the transfer request, parents are advised to ensure that the transfer form is fully completed and signed by all relevant parties.
If a child is registered as transferring into a service under the ECCE programme, but never actually attends that service, Childcare Directorate must be notified and no payment will be made in respect of that child.
6.3 Settling-In Period
Cases may arise where a parent, having enrolled his/her child in the ECCE programme with a particular service provider, may subsequently decide either that the child is not ready to start pre-school, or that s/he would prefer to enrol the child with a different service provider. To facilitate this, a “Settling-In Period” is permitted at the beginning of each contract period. During this period a parent may remove his/her child from a service and either defer the place to the following year or transfer the child to a different service provider. In such circumstances, the following arrangements relating to capitation fees will apply:
* The Settling-In Period covers the first four weeks of the September term only. This means that, in relation to the September 2012 contract period, the Settling-In Period finishes on Friday 28th September.
* If the parent decides to defer the ECCE place to the following year, a deferral form (ECCE Form 7: Deferral Form) must be completed, signed both by the parent and the service provider, and returned to the Childcare Directorate. The arrangements regarding the capitation fee are as outlined in section 6.9.
* If the parent decides to transfer the child to another service provider within the Settling-In Period, a transfer form (ECCE Form 11: Settling in Transfer Form) must be completed, signed and dated by all parties ON OR BEFORE FRIDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2012 and returned to the Childcare Directorate. The form should be marked “Settling-In Period”. In these circumstances, the first service provider will receive a capitation fee in respect of that child for the first four weeks of the term, with the second service provider receiving the capitation fee for the remainder of the term.
If a child is registered with the new service but never actually attends that service, Childcare Directorate must be notified and no payment will be made in respect of that child.
Once the Settling-In Period has concluded, all transfers must be dealt with in accordance with the procedures outlined in section 6.2 above.
6.4 Child ceasing to avail of the ECCE programme
Where a child leaves a service and is not enrolled in a new service, the provider must contact the Childcare Directorate within 4 weeks to advise them of the position, by completing and returning ECCE Form 3: Child Leaving ECCE scheme. This situation will normally arise where the child is leaving the country, or starting primary school. Where the circumstances are known to the service provider, they should be noted on the form.
Where such circumstances arise, any ECCE funding already paid by the Childcare Directorate in respect of those children will be deducted from future payments due. The amount of the deduction will depend on the date on which the child ceased attending the pre-school service.
Where a child enrolled in the ECCE programme has not attended the service for four consecutive weeks for any reason other than the circumstances outlined in the previous paragraphs, the service provider must contact Childcare Directorate immediately to notify them of the position by completing and returning ECCE Form 3: Child Leaving ECCE scheme. If the child returns to the service to resume participation in the ECCE programme, payment will be restored. The date from which the payment is restored will depend on the circumstances of the case. Where a parent wishes to defer the child’s place to the following year, this will be subject to the procedures outlined in section 6.9.
6.5 Transfer from the ECCE programme to the Community Childcare Subvention Programme (CCS), or from the CCS to the ECCE programme
There is no entitlement to transfer from the ECCE programme to the CCS, or vice versa in the course of the September to August period other than in the circumstances described in paragraphs 6.5.1, 6.5.2, and 6.5.3 below.
6.5.1. Settling-In Transfer from the ECCE programme to the CCS programme
Where a child has commenced the ECCE programme in September, but the parent decides to avail fo the CCS programme instead, a CSS Form 4: Settling in Transfer Form must be completed by the ECCE service provider and the parent. Such transfers must take place before 28th September 2012. A CCS Parent Declaration form must also be completed by the parent during the CCS snapshot week. If the child is not registered on the CCS electronic return, the transfer will not be permitted.
If the child will still be within the eligible age-range to avail of the ECCE programme in the following pre-school year, ECCE Form 7: Deferral Form (see section 6.9 below) must be completed in order for the child to be permitted to avail of the programme the following year.
6.5.2. Transfer from the CCS programme to the ECCE programme between January and March 2013
A CCS to ECCE transfer, from a CCS service provider to an ECCE service provider will be permitted between 2nd January 2013 and 29th March 2013 provided the CCS provider agrees to the CCS funding in respect of that child being stopped with effect from the date of transfer. If eligible, the child will then be permitted to participate in the ECCE programme. A Transfer CCS to ECCE Form must be completed and returned to Childcare Directorate together with a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, and official proof of the child’s PPSN. If the CCS provider refuses the transfer request, no ECCE funding in respect of that child can be paid to the new provider.
6.5.3. Transfer from the ECCE programme to the CCS programme between January and March 2013
An ECCE to CCS transfer, from an ECCE service provider to a CCS service provider will be permitted between 2nd January 2013 and 29th March 2013 under the following circumstances. The CCS provider must have a vacancy for a replacement child. The ECCE service provider and the parent must complete anECCE Form 3: Child Leaving ECCE scheme. A CCS Form 2 – Replacement Child Form (see CCS Guide) must also be completed and forwarded, together with the necessary documentation, to Childcare Directorate by the CCS service.
If the child will still be within the eligible age-range to avail of the ECCE programme in the following pre-school year, ECCE Form 7: Deferral Form (see section 6.9 below) must be completed in order for the child to be permitted to avail of the programme the following year.
6.6 Transfer from the ECCE programme to the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme
Where a child who was included in the ECCE programme return takes up a new place under the CETS programme, either within the same childcare service or in a different service, his or her entitlement to ECCE should immediately be transferred to CETS by completing and returning ECCE Form 4: Transfer from ECCE to CETS and return to the Childcare Directorate. If the CETS placement ceases, and the child is to be transferred back to the ECCE programme, ECCE Form 5: Transfer back to ECCE from CETS must be completed and returned to the Childcare Directorate.
Where the child is taking up a CETS place in a different childcare service, the childcare service where the child had been enrolled for the ECCE programme is entitled to continue to receive the ECCE capitation fee for a period of four weeks after the commencement of the CETS place. Where the child is taking up a CETS place in the same childcare service, the ECCE capitation will cease with effect from the date the CETS place starts.
6.7 Transfer from CETS programme to ECCE programme
If a child is in a CETS place from the start of the pre-school year and the placement ends at a later point in the pre-school year, he or she may enter the ECCE programme in the same service or a different service on submission to Childcare Directorate of the completed ECCE form 1: New Entrant form.
6.8 Change in level of service
Where a parent wishes to increase or decrease the number of days a child is attending per week, ECCE Form 6: Change in level of service form must be completed and returned to Childcare Directorate. The resulting increase or decrease in capitation will be applied to the service provider’s payments with effect from the date on which the change in level of service took place, as noted on the form and signed off by both the service provider and the parent.
6.9 referral of ECCE place to the following year
Where a parent, having enrolled a child in the ECCE programme, subsequently decides that it would be more beneficial for the child to defer the pre-school year until the following year, s/he may apply for a deferral. Deferrals can only take place if the payment in relation to ECCE service to date has been paid in full or repayment arrangements have been agreed by the parent and provider, prior to the Deferral Form being signed by the provider. Such applications require completion and submission of ECCE Form 7: Deferral Form and can only be made where the child will still fulfil the eligibility criteria for admission to the programme in September of the following year.
If the above criteria for the application to defer is met, any capitation fees already paid to the service provider in respect of that child will be recouped from the service provider by the Department. For this reason, the deferral application form must be signed by the service provider as well as the parent.
6.10 Appeals
Where it has not been possible for the Childcare Directorate to verify the eligibility of a child for the ECCE programme (generally due to the provision of an incorrect PPSN), capitation fees will not be paid to the service provider in respect of that child. Parents or service providers may appeal this by writing to the Childcare Directorate, providing evidence of the child’s date of birth and PPSN (i.e. a copy of the child’s birth cert and a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Payment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection). The correspondence should be marked “ECCE Appeals”.
Each appeal is examined and, where entitlement is established, the child is approved for participation in the programme and the appropriate payment will issue to the service provider.
7. Applications to waive the upper age limit and for pro-rata arrangements for children with special needs
Children with special needs
Parents who wish to apply for a waiver of the upper age limit or to avail of the pre-school year on a pro-rata basis over two years (e.g. 2 days per week in year 1 and 3 days per week in year 2) on the grounds that their child has special needs, must apply in writing to the Childcare Directorate not later than 1st July of each year.
The Childcare Directorate will require the following details before making a decision:
i) a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate
ii) evidence of the child’s PPSN (i.e. a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Payment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection).
iii) the name and address of the pre-school service in which the child will be enrolled,
AND
(iv) a detailed assessment report from the HSE, or treating consultant confirming that the child has special needs which will either delay his/her entry to primary school or make it more suitable that s/he avails of the pre-school year on a pro-rata basis over two years.
School admission policies
Parents may apply for a waiver of the upper age limit where their child will not be able to commence primary school until they are aged at least 5 years and 7 months, due to the local schools’ admissions policies, on condition that the child has not already availed of the ECCE Programme.
Applications should be made to the Childcare Directorate not later than 1st July each year. The Directorate will require the following details before making a decision:
i) a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate
ii) evidence of the child’s PPSN (i.e. a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Payment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection).
iii) the name and address of the pre-school service in which the child will be enrolled,
AND
(iv) a letter from the Principal of the local primary school confirming the age admissions policy.
Please note that under the Education and Welfare Act 2000 all children must be enrolled in a primary school by the time they reach their 6th birthday. Therefore, a child who will reach the age of 6 in the course of the pre-school year commencing September 2012 will not be permitted to participate in the ECCE programme. Parents should contact their local primary school or Special Education Needs Organiser (www.ncse.ie).
Childcare Directorate
Department of Children and Youth Affairs
June 2012
ECCE Forms for Providers
Guidelines regarding Qualification (Free Preschool Scheme)
In addition to meeting the requirements regarding staff ratios, as provided for under the Child Care Regulations, the pre-school year Leader must hold a certification for a major award in childcare/early education at a minimum of level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ) or an equivalent recognised qualification in the childcare/early education field.
Evidence
Valid evidence of staff members’ certification and experience will be required at contract stage.
Some additional information on the qualification requirements for the Free Preschool Scheme is provided below in the form of questions and answers:
What is the National Framework of Qualifications and what is a Major Award?
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a 10 level Framework that incorporates qualifications from the very initial stages of learning to the most advanced. A major award is a qualification with a large volume of knowledge, skill and competence associated with it, which is recognised through the National Framework of Qualifications. This is distinct from smaller pieces of learning such as minor or component awards, which go together to make up a major award.
How do I know if my qualification is currently recognised through the National Framework of Qualifications as at least a Level 5 Major Award?
A list of the most common qualifications in childcare that are recognised through the National Framework of Qualificaions are listed below (appendix 1).
What should I have completed in order to be awarded a FETAC certificate for the achievement of a major award in Childcare at level 5 or 6?
Information on the number and type of components that must be obtained in order to be awarded a major award FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 Certificate in Childcare qualification is available through Donegal Childcare Committee.
I have a childcare award made by a UK awarding body. How do I know if that is equivalent to a Major Award at Level 5 of the NFQ?
If you have an award made by a UK awarding body you will need to check the UK database of qualifications http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk/index.aspx to find out (i) the name of the awarding body that made your award (ii) the type of qualification you obtained and (iii) the level of the qualification in the UK framework of qualifications. You can then use the document at the following link www.qualificationsrecognition.ie/recognition/int_qual_databse/uk/documents/CrossBoundaries.pdf to establish how the level of this qualification compares with the Irish NFQ levels. You should include this information at contract stage. The DCYA will then notify you whether or not this qualification is considered comparable to a Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award.
I gained my childcare qualification abroad. How do I find out if it is equivalent to a Major Award at Level 5 on the Irish NFQ?
If you have gained your qualification abroad, you should provide as much information on the qualification as possible to the DCYA at contract stage, including the name of the awarding body and the institution in which the qualification was attained. Having checked that all other aspects of the application are in order, the DCYA will then refer the information on the international qualification to the Irish authority which deals with the recognition of international awards. It will then provide advice to the DCYA on the equivalence or otherwise of the qualification to an Irish Level 5 Major Award and the DCYA will then notify you whether or not this qualification is equivalent to a Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award.
I have additional questions on the eligibility of my qualifications. Who do I contact?
You should direct any additional questions you have on these qualification requirements to the DCYA to which you are making your application. It will be best placed in the first instance to discuss these with you.
Appendix 1
Title Awarding Body NFQ Level
Certificate in Childcare FETAC NFQ Level 5
Certificate in Childcare FETAC (NCVA) NFQ Level 5
Childcare Practitioner Traineeship FETAC (FÁS) NFQ Level 5
Advanced Certificate in Childcare Supervision FETAC NFQ Level 6
Supervision in Childcare FETAC (NCVA) NFQ Level 6
Childcare Supervisor FETAC (FÁS) NFQ Level 6
Services Offering the ECCE Scheme
Childcare Providers
Inis Eoghain
| Name of Facility | Address | Tel No of Facility | Private or Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Education Training Centre Créche | 24 Millfield Heights, Buncrana | (074) 93 22873 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Amanda’s Cots ‘n’ Tots Creche | Annaugh, Clonmany | (074) 93 78737 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Bizzy Bee’s | Rooskey, Clonmany | 086 3712700 | Private |
| Bocan Community Playgroup | Bocan, Culdaff | 087 2921973 | Community / Sessional |
| Buncrana Community Playgroup | Shore Rd, Shore Front, Buncrana | (086) 0882581 | Community / Sessional |
| Carndonagh Community Playgroup | Colgan Hall, Carndonagh | (086) 0516545/(086) 3773157 | Community / Sessional |
| Children’s Point Childcare Centre Ltd. | Foyleside, Tromaty, Quigley’s Point | (074) 93 83661 | Community / Sessional |
| Clonmany Community Childcare | Clonmany Community Centre, Clonmany | (074) 93 76772 | Community / Sessional |
| Cockhill Community Pre-School | Cockhill, Clonbeg, Buncrana | 074-93-20693 | Community / Sessional |
| Colmcille Creche | Derry Road, Moville | (074) 93 85937 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Desertegney Community Playgroup | Desertegney, Linsfort, Buncrana | 086 8795436 / 085 2814271 | Community / Sessional |
| Donagh Créche Ltd | Mullins, Carndonagh | (074) 93 73158 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Greencastle Community Childcare Centre Ltd. | 5 Milltown Harbour, Greencastle | (074) 93 81877 / 0860342361 | Community / Sessional |
| Donegal Kiddies Corner Ltd | St Teresa’s Old National School, Malin Town | (087) 6439464 | Community / Sessional |
| First Steps Childminding Service | Carrickanee, Inch Island | (074) 9360519 | Private |
| Grainne’s Montessori and CM Service | Carnmoyle, Muff | (074) 93 84529 | Private |
| Little Acorns Montessori Playschool | 54 Cloncool Park, Buncrana | (074) 9322414 | Private |
| Little Acorns Montessori Playschool | 11 Cedar Grove, Carndonagh | (074) 93 74096 | Private |
| Little Learners | The Carn, Drumaweir, Greencastle | 086 3498196 | Private |
| Little Stars Pre-school
http://www.movillepreschool.ie/ |
8 Bath Terrace, Moville | (074) 93 85636 | Private / Sessional |
| Little Toby’s Playschool | Glen keady House, Ardmore, Muff | (074) 93 84237 | Private / Sessional |
| Magic Moments Playgroup | 1 Sea Crest, Shore Road, Buncrana | (074) 93 61921 | Private / Sessional |
| Naiónra agus Culturlann Buncranncha | 4 Cluain Cumhaill, Buncrana | (074) 9363736 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Naíscoil Cois Feabhail | Community Resource Centre, Greencastle | 086 889 2546 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Naíscoil Dhomhnach Óg | Churchtown, Carn Domhnach | (074) 93 29723 | Community / Sessional |
| New Beginnings Pre School | Eleaghbeg Burnfoot | (074) 93 68369 | Private / Sessional |
| Newtowncunningham Community Playgroup | Newtowncunningham Business Park, Newtowncunningham | (086) 3040498 | Community / Sessional |
| Nursery Lane Playgroup & Afterschool | Tievebane, Burnfoot | (074) 93 60544 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Playdays Community Playgroup | Malin Head Community Hall, Malin Head | 086 3391223 | Community / Sessional |
| St Nichola’s Pre-School for Special Needs Children | 31 Cockhill Road, Buncrana | (074) 93 61486 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Quigley’s Point Community Playgroup | Quigley’s Point Community Centre, Cabry, Quigley’s Point | (074) 93 83653 | Community / Sessional |
| Rainbow’s Pre School | No. 4 Tirlaughan Brae, Carrigart | 087 7607136 | Private |
| Trina’s Montessori and CMService | 18 Balmain, Carndonagh | (074)93 73288 | Private |
| St. Oran’s Community Playgroup | Cockhill National School, Cockhill, Buncrana | 086 2133520 | Community / Sessional |
| The Playhouse | 8 Millfield Heights, Buncrana | (074) 93 20919 | |
| Tina’s Tots Preschool | Tullyally Redcastle | (074) 9383366 | Sessional |
Donegal
| Name of Facility | Address | Tel No of Facility | Private or Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnesmore Montessori | Barnesmore Community Centre, Barnesmore | 087 6408013 | Private / Sessional |
| BASIC Childcare Centre Ltd | New Retail Park, Station Road, Bundoran | (071) 9833685 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Child’s Play Pre-school & Afterschool | Mountcharles Community Centre, Mountcharles | 087 7921093 | Community / Sessional |
| Donegal Town Community Playgroup | Michael Cooney Memorial Park, The Mullans, Donegal Town | (074) 97 40836 | Community / Sessional |
| Drumholme Community Playgroup | Community Centre, Ballintra | (087) 7450624 | Community / Sessional |
| Dunkineely Montessori School | Methodist Hall, Dunkineely | 074 9737707 | Private |
| Footprints Montessori Pre-school | Cashelard, Ballyshannon | 086 3615177 | Private / Sessional |
| Happy Days Playgroup | Old Commons School, The Commons, Killybegs | 087 2926375 | Private / Sessional |
| Happy Start Montessori Pre-School | St. Anne’s, Church Avenue, Ballyshannon | (086) 8310977 | Private / Sessional |
| Inver Community Playgroup | Inver Community Hall, Ardaghey, Inver | (087) 7734801 | Community / Sessional |
| Kid Kare Créche, Montessori & Afterschool | Townalary, Donegal Town | (074) 9740368 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Kiddywinks Montessori Afterschool | Laghey, Donegal | (086) 8869453 | Private |
| Killybegs Montessori | Conlin Road, Killybegs | (087) 2355598 | Private / Sessional |
| Little Angels Montessori School | Main Street, Mountcharles | (087) 6984433 | Private / Sessional |
| Little Smarties Playgroup & AfterSchool Club | Billary, Pettigo | (071) 98 61993 | Community / Sessional |
| Little Stars | Greagh, Laghey | (087) 2073780 | Private / Sessional |
| Naionra Aodh Mhic Breine | Colaiste na Gaeilge, Teileann, An Charraig | (074) 9739127 / 087 9202060 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Cill Chartha | An Aislann Chill Chartha, Cill Chartha | (074) 97 38376/ 087 0527238 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Éirne | c/o An Gaelscoil, Sráid an Cholaiste, Béal Atha Seanaigh | 087 6155047 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Gleann Cholm Cille | Halla Muire, An Chaiseal, Gleann Cholm Cille | (087) 2418763 | Community / Sessional |
| Niall Mor Community Childcare Centre | Killybegs | 074 97 48000 | Community/ Full Day Care |
| Naionra Mhuire | Aislann Chill Chartha | (074) 9738376 | Community |
| Saimer Community Childcare Group Ltd | The Rock, Ballyshannon | (071) 98 52942 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Small World Montessori & Afterschool | Drumlonagher, Donegal Town | (086) 0829536 | Private |
| Shining Stars Montessori | Frosses, Donegal Town | (087)9811125 | Private |
| Smartie Pants | Trummon, Laghey | (087) 9781559 | Private |
| Tír na Nog Naionra | Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistrí, Drumber Donegal Town | 086 8536635 | Private |
| Tenderfoot Playschool | Blue Stack Centre, Drimaroan, Letterbarrow PO | (074) 97 35193 | Community |
Letterkenny (inc Milford)
| Name of Facility | Address | Tel No of Facility | Private or Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Naionra Leitir Ceanainn | 73 Port Road, Leitir Ceanainn | (074) 91 77761 | Community / Sessional |
| Bee Kool Kidz | Ballymacool, Letterkenny | (074) 91 24681 | Private |
| Bomany Nursery & Montessori School | Bomany, Letterkenny | (074) 91 25929 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Bright Beginnings Creche (VEC) | Adult Education & Training Centre, Old Vocational School, Milford | (074) 91 53056 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Child’s Play Montessori & Playschool | 38 Rowan Park, Lismonaghan, Letterkenny | (074) 91 27378 | Private / Sessional |
| Churchill Community Childcare | C/o Patton Memorial Hall, Trentagh, Letterkenny | (074) 9137300 | Community / Sessional |
| Clever Kids, Kerrykeel Pre-school | Drumatrummon, Kerrykeel | (074) 91 50311 | Private / Sessional |
| Craoibhín ais Chúram Páistí | Currin, An Tearmainn, Leitir Ceanainn | (074) 91 39638 | Community |
| Cutie Kids | 60 Killylastin Heights, Letterkenny | 087 9135982 | Private |
| Doorway | 6 Meadowbank | 074 9161071 | Community |
| Doorway 2 Community Childcare Centre | 5-6 Slieve Sneacht, Letterkenny | 087 2140745 | Community / Sessional |
| Errigal Montessori School & Creche | Glencar Irish, Long Lane, Letterkenny | (074) 9113964 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Fairytales | Drumbern, Milford | (074) 91 63198 | Private / Full Day Care |
| First Steps Playgroup | Lios na Sióg, Old Glencar Road, Letterkenny | (074) 91 25789 | Private / Sessional |
| Glebe Childcare | 6 The Glebe, Letterkenny | 087 9525086/074 9127717 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Illistrin Montessori School | 1 Illistrin, Ballaghderg, Letterkenny | (074) 9103778 / 086 8873162 | Private / Sessional |
| Killylastin Youth Development Service, LCD Childcare Service. | 20 Glendale Manor, Letterkenny | (074) 91 20472 | Community / Sessional |
| Lakview Montessori & Music School | Lakeview HS, Drumaboden, Ramelton | (074) 9139246 | Private / Sessional |
| Letterkenny Community Childcare Ltd | County Enterprise Business Park, Ballyraine, Letterkenny | (074) 9176667 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Little Dreamers Creche, Pre- School and Afterschool | Carnamuggagh Upper, Mountain Top, Letterkenny | (074) 9123947 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Little Rascals Community Playgroup | Tourism/Activity Centre, Rossnakill, Fanad | (074) 9150298 | Community / Sessional |
| Magic Roundabout Playgroup | Killashulan Court, Port Road, Letterkenny | 087 6762617 | Private / Sessional |
| Manorcunningham Community Childcare Centre Ltd | Ray, Manorcunningham | (074) 91 57611 | Community / Sessional |
| Milford Community Playgroup | Lower Main St, Farquar, Milford | (074) 9153757 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra an Tearmann | Cuirrin, An Tearmann | 086 8670168 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Dhuibhlinn Riabhaigh | Duibhlinn Riabhach, Carraig Airt | (074) 91 54519 / 087 2824926 | Community / Sessional |
| Naíonra Dobhair | Dobhair, an Bun Beag | Community | |
| Naionra Fhanaidhe, Tir Na nOg | Traigh-a-Locha, Bailelair, Fanaid | 087 2687406 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra na nDúnaibh | Ional Mhíobhaigh, Áras Rosgoill, Na Dúnaibh | 087 2047532/(074) 91 55055 | Community / Sessional |
| Rainbow Nursery School | 26 Rough Park, Woodlands, Letterkenny | (074) 91 26076 | Private / Sessional |
| Ramelton Community Playgroup | C/o Robertson School, Church St., Ramelton | (074) 91 51540 | Community / Sessional |
| Shining Stars Montessori and Creche | Unit 36, Pinehill Business Park | 0877839394 | Community / Sessional |
| St. Gabriel’s Pre-School for Travelling Children | Convent Road, Letterkenny | (074) 91 26693 | Community / Sessional |
| Stepping Stones Playgroup | St. Johnston/Carrigans Family Resource Centre, Chapel Road, St. Johnston, Lifford | (074) 9148512 | Community / Sessional |
| The Glen Outdoor School for Early Learning | Barrack, Newmills, Letterkenny | (074) 91 37701 | Private |
| The House of Fun | Castleshannahan, Letterkenny | (074) 9152754 | Private / Sessional |
| The Model Creche | Drumnahoe, Letterkenny | (074) 91 26771 | Private / Full Day Care, Sessional & Afterschool |
| The Park School for Early Learning | 23 Glen Park, Foxhills, Letterkenny | (074) 91 77700 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Two Peas in a Pod | 41 Sylvan Park, Gortlee, Letterkenny | (074) 91 29679 | Private |
| VTOTS Creche | VEC Offices, Ard O’Donnell, Letterkenny | (074) 91 61583 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Willowbrook Pre-school & Afterschool | 4 Willowbrook, Glencar, Letterkenny | (074) 91 26109 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Wonder Years Childcare | Rossbracken, Letterkenny | (074) 91 57905 | Private / Full Day Care |
Stranorlar
| Name of Facility | Address | Tel No of Facility | Private or Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Childcare Centre | Finn Valley Enterprise Park, Letterkenny Rd, Lifford | (074) 91 42860 | Community / Sessional |
| Beechwood Pre-school | Beechwood Avenue, Ballybofey | (074) 91 31627 | Private / Sessional |
| Busy Bee Playgroup | Tara Rose, Townparks, Lifford | (074) 91 41176 | Private / Sessional |
| Castlefinn Community Childcare Services | CPI Complex, Knockrawer, Castlefinn | (074) 91 43731 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Convoy Community Playgroup | Milltown, Convoy | (074) 91 47792 | Community / Sessional |
| Crossroads & Killygordon Community Playgroup | Dromore, Killygordon | (074) 91 49616 | Community / Sessional |
| Drumkeen Community Childcare Centre | Drumkeen, Ballybofey | (074) 9134844 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Hobit Hollow Pre-school | Aveltygort, Crossroads, Killygordon | (074) 91 49798 | Private / Sessional |
| Little Acorns Playgroup | Congregational Church Hall, Derry Road, Raphoe | (074) 91 45276 | Private / Sessional |
| Little Rascals Country Pre-School | Maghereagh, Castlefinn | (074) 91 46807 | Private / Sessional |
| T.T. Childcare Ltd | Railway Road, Stranorlar | (074) 9175369 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Naionra an Choimin | Baile Uí Cliarragáin, An Clochán | (074) 91 33976/086 0861811 | Community / Sessional |
| Raphoe Community Playgroup | Castle Road, Raphoe | (074) 91 44999 | Community / Sessional |
| Rascals Playgroup | The Glebe, Stranorlar | (074) 91 32093 | Private / Sessional |
| Ready, Steady, Grow Childcare Centre | Glenview Business Park, Donegal Road, Ballybofey | (074) 91 90151 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Rosie & Jim’s | Main Street, Castlefinn | (087) 1275933 | Private / Sessional |
| Tiny Tots Playgroup | The Bridge, Drumboe, Stranorlar | (074) 9131710 | Private / Sessional |
Glenties
| Name of Facility | Address | Tel No of Facility | Private or Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Scoil Beag | Adult Education & Training Centre, Gortahork | (074) 91 62695 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Ardara Community Childcare Ltd | Charlie Bennett Drive, Ardara | (074) 95 37744 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Creeslough Community Childcare Services Ltd. | St Michaels Tce, Creeslough | 074 9138841 | Community |
| Dunfanaghy Community Playhouse Ltd | Main Street, Dunfanaghy | (074) 91 36548 | Community / Full Day Care |
| Glenties Community Playgroup & Afterschool | Glen Road, Glenties | (074) 95 51907 | Community / Sessional |
| Lamha Beaga Montessori | Magheroarty, Gortahork | 086 1735180 | Private |
| Naionra Ailt An Chorrán | Na nAcraí, Ailt an Chorran | (074) 95 42134/086 3744605 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra an Clochán Liath | Halla Paróiste, Bothar an Carabháin Mhór, Clochán Liath | 087 8770064 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra an Fhálchharraigh | Aonad 7, Páirc Gnó, An Fhálcharrach | (087) 2069593 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra an Mhachaire | Ionad an Mhachaire, An Mhachaire, Clochan Liath | (074) 9522724 | Private / Sessional |
| Naionra Anagaire | An Scoil Náisiúnta, Anagaire | (074) 95 48162/ 086 6072776 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Árainn Mhór | An Leabh Garbh, Oileann Arainn Mhór, Áran Mhór | (074) 95 20234 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Baile Na Finne | Ionad Cholm Cille, Baile na Finne | (074) 95 46987 / 087 6347972 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Ceann Caslach | Halla Pobail, Ceann Caslach | 086 8074352 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Cnoc Fola | Ionad Pobal, Cnoc Fola, Doire Beaga | 086 068 3757 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Dhoiri Beaga | Ard Scoil Mhuire, Doire Beaga | 087 6412369 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Gort A Choirce | An Scoil Beag, Gort A Choirce | (074) 91 65503 / 086 8753038 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Loch An Iúir | Coláiste na Gaeilge, Loch An Iúir, Anagaire | 087 9769077 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra na Crannóige | Sráth na Corca, Doire Beaga | (074) 95 60296 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Phádraig | Dobhan, An Bunbeag | (074) 95 31787 | Community / Sessional |
| Naionra Rann Na Feirste | Rann Na Feiriste, Anagaire | 086 3751427 | Community / Sessional |
| Ray Montessori | Ray, Falcarragh | (074) 91 65589 | Private / Sessional |
| Slí Na Eolais (Playgroup, Montessori & Afterschool) | Quay Road, Dungloe | (074) 95 22547 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Stepping Stones Creché & Montessori | Leffin, Dungloe | (074) 95 61859 | Private / Full Day Care |
| Spraoi Le Cheile | Carnmore Rd, Dungloe | (074) 95 22804 | Community / Full Day Care |
