Pre-school education and childcare

Early Start Programme
Early Start is a programme designed to boost educational achievement among disadvantaged three- and four-year-old children.

Early childhood education
Information on childhood education, including the role of the Department of Education, government policy, and child care regulations.

Regulation of pre-school childcare services in Ireland
Pre-school childcare providers in Ireland are regulated by the law. Find out about the rules concerning play groups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders and other service providers.

Your childcare options
Describes the different types of child care which are available to parents including creches, childminders, pre-schools.

Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme
This new scheme provides a free year of early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age.