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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.
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
Good to know
- 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.
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