The scoop
20 Hours ECE lets early childhood education services offer 3, 4 and 5 year olds up to 6 hours a day and 20 hours a week without charging fees.
Your child qualifies from their third birthday until they start school or turn 6. You may still pay for hours beyond the 20.
How to claim it
- 1
Choose an early learning service that offers 20 Hours ECE.
- 2
On the enrolment form, say which hours should be covered.
- 3
The funding goes to the service and reduces your fees.
Who qualifies
- Children aged 3, 4 and 5
- From the third birthday until school or the day before the sixth birthday