ECCE (free preschool)
Free preschool, 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 38 weeks of the year. That is about €64.50 a week off your bill, for two years before your child starts school.
Last checked June 2026
What it is
Free preschool for children in the two years before school.
Who can get it
- Your child attends a childcare service taking part in the ECCE programme
- Your child has turned 2 years and 8 months by 31 August of the programme year
- Your child is not older than 5 years and 6 months by 30 June of the programme year
- The programme runs from September to June each year. Every eligible child can get two free years.
- A provider can ask for a deposit, but it must be given back once your child's place is registered.
- You register through your chosen ECCE provider, who enters the details on the Early Years system.
How to apply
Applications go through DCEDIY. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 14 June 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much free preschool do I get under ECCE?
Two free years, 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 38 weeks of the year, worth about €64.50 a week off your bill.
When can my child start ECCE?
Once they have turned 2 years and 8 months by 31 August of the programme year, and they must not be older than 5 years and 6 months by 30 June of that year.
How do I register for ECCE?
Through your chosen ECCE provider, who enters the details on the Early Years system. A provider can ask for a deposit, but it must be given back once your child's place is registered.
Related guides
- National Childcare Scheme
- Child Benefit
- Working Family Payment
- Back to Work Family Dividend
- One-Parent Family Payment
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