A number of childcare services are available for both pre-school and school-aged children.
When choosing childcare, you should consider your:
- child’s age
- child's individual needs
- work hours
- budget
- location - not all options may be available in your local area
Financial supports
The National Childcare Scheme provides subsidies to help reduce your family's early learning and childcare costs.
Subsidies are available for children age between 24 weeks and 15 years.
There are 2 types of subsidies available:
- universal subsidy
- income assessed subsidy
A universal subsidy is available to all families. It is not means-tested. This means it does not matter how much your family earns. You get a minimum of €2.14 per hour for up to 45 hours a week.
An income assessed subsidy is means-tested. This means how much your family earns will be looked at.
The subsidy can be used with any childcare provider who is taking part in the National Childcare Scheme.
Childcare Service Search - ncs.gov.ie
Childcare subsidy calculator - ncs.gov.ie
You can get more information and details on how to apply online at National Childcare Scheme.
Pre-school childcare
When your child is 3, they may be ready to attend a pre-school programme.
Full-time childcare
You can get full-time childcare from a nursery, creche or childminder.
They can offer more than 5 hours of childcare a day, including food and sleep facilities.
Part-time childcare
You can send your child to part-time sessions.
These include:
- Montessori groups - these focus on individual education
- Naíonraí - these are nursery schools or playgroups that use the Irish language
- Early Start Programmes - offered in some schools to help 3 to 4 year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds
- playgroups - where children learn to share, take turns and understand classroom rules
- drop-in centres - play areas in shopping centres that provide childcare for short periods of time
Learn more about early childhood education online at Citizens Information.
Learn more about different types of childcare online at Early Childhood Ireland.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides free care and education for pre-school children. It is available for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, 38 weeks of the year. If your child attends for more than 3 hours, you will be charged for the extra time.
You can access the scheme in early years settings such as:
- pre-schools
- Montessoris
- creches
- playgroups
All children are entitled to 2 full academic years on the ECCE scheme. Your child must be at least age 2 years and 8 months by 31 August of the year they start pre-school to qualify.
Learning materials are included under the scheme, but you'll have to pay for any meals.
For more information on pre-school services contact your City or County Childcare Committee.
You can find a list of childcare providers registered under the scheme online.
Childcare Service Search - ncs.gov.ie
Childminders
Childminders care for children in their own home. A childminder can care for up to 5 children under 6 years of age, including their own. They can also care for older children. Parents and childminders arrange their own terms and conditions.
Find a directory of childminders on Childminding Ireland.
School-aged children
Childcare services are also available for school-aged children. They can provide things like homework supervision, planned activities and a healthy meal.
Options include:
- breakfast clubs
- after school clubs
- creches
- school holiday programmes - such as summer camps
- childminders
How to choose the right childcare option
You can find a list of registered childcare services in your area and tips on choosing childcare online.
Childcare Service Search - ncs.gov.ie
Early years services by county - tusla.ie
Choosing a pre-school - tusla.ie
Choosing childcare - barnados.ie
Childcare in Ireland is regulated by law. This means that standards of health, safety and welfare must be in place before childcare services can be provided.