Q. My eldest child is turning three and I am hoping to go back to work. Is there any support available towards the cost of childcare?
Dear Reader,
When choosing childcare, you should consider your child’s age, their child’s individual needs, your work hours, budget, and location – not all options may be available in your local area.
A number of different childcare services are available for both pre-school and school-aged children. These include full-time care, where you receive childcare from a crèche or child minder that offers more than five hours of childcare a day, including food and sleep facilities. Part-time care is available from a crèche, through various pre-school programmes like the Early Start programme, Naíonraí, or Montessouri, where subsidies can be available. Some facilities also provide for sessional care. Below are details of the supports available to assist with childcare costs.
National Childcare Scheme
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 two types of subsidies available: the universal subsidy and an income-assessed subsidy.
A universal subsidy is available to all families and is not means tested – meaning 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. The subsidy can be used with any childcare provider who is taking part in the National Childcare Scheme. You can get more information and details on how to apply online at ncs.gov.ie
Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme
When your child is three, they may be ready to attend a pre-school programme.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides free care and education for pre-school children. It is available for three hours a day, five days a week, 38 weeks of the year.
If your child attends for more than three hours, you will be charged for the extra time.
You can access the scheme in early years settings such as pre-schools, Montessori, crèches, and playgroups. All children are entitled to two full academic years on the ECCE scheme. Your child must be at least aged two years and eight months by August 31 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 in the Limerick area, visit limerickchildcare.ie where you can find a list of childcare providers registered under the scheme.
