ECCE Scheme
Introduction of a free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education
(ECCE)
As part of the April 2009 Budget, a new scheme to provide for a free Pre-School Year in Early
Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) was announced by the Government.
The announcement of a free pre-school year for all children is a landmark development in the
provision of early childhood care and education services for young children in Ireland. The
new scheme will be implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
(OMCYA) and will be open to all private and community pre-school services which meet the
requirements of the scheme.
