The scoop
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme gives every child free preschool for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 38 weeks of the programme year, which runs from September to June.
It's a universal 2-year programme, open to children aged 2 years and 8 months by 31 August, at participating preschools and childcare services.
How to claim it
- 1
Find a preschool or childcare service that offers ECCE.
- 2
Register your child with the service for the programme year.
- 3
The 15 hours a week are free; you only pay for extra hours.
Who qualifies
- Children aged 2 years and 8 months by 31 August
- Up to 2 programme years before primary school