Key takeaway
Ireland's free preschool year (ECCE) gives all eligible children 15 hours of free preschool per week. Here's how to access it and what to expect.
What is ECCE?
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a government-funded free preschool scheme for children in Ireland. It provides 15 free hours of preschool per week (3 hours per day, 5 days per week) for 38 weeks per year — the equivalent of a full academic year.
Who qualifies?
Your child qualifies for ECCE if they are aged between 2 years and 8 months and 5 years and 6 months at the start of the programme year (which begins in September). Most children will get one full year of ECCE before starting primary school, though some may qualify for two years depending on their date of birth.
Is it really free?
The ECCE session itself is completely free — neither the government nor the provider can charge parents for the ECCE hours. However, providers may charge for:
- Additional hours beyond the 15 ECCE hours
- Meals and snacks
- Extra activities or trips
Ask your provider to clearly outline what is and isn't included in the free session before enrolling.
How to apply
- Find a registered ECCE provider near you using the Tusla service finder
- Contact the provider directly to check availability and register your child's interest
- The provider handles the ECCE registration on your behalf — you don't apply directly to the government
- Places fill up quickly — register your interest well in advance (6–12 months ahead is not unusual in busy areas)
What happens during ECCE?
ECCE sessions focus on play-based learning following the Aistear curriculum (Ireland's early childhood curriculum framework). Children develop social skills, language, and early literacy and numeracy through structured play, storytelling, outdoor activities, and group work. Providers are assessed by Tusla inspectors to ensure quality standards.
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.