Research shows that high quality early years care and education benefits children. Rising economic costs puts pressure on families’ abilities to avail of this which is why we have welcomed and provide the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme in our pre-school room at Crawford Childcare, Cork.

The ECCE scheme provides a free year of care and education for children of pre-school age. Children are eligible for the scheme if they are aged over 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years and 7 months on 1st September of the year that they will be starting. In some cases this upper age limit may be extended. However in general for the year starting in September 2014, children born between 2 February 2010 and 30 June 2011 (both these dates included) will be eligible.

The State not the parent pays a capitation fee directly to the provider of this year. In our preschool Montessori class we provide 15 hours of free care over a 5 day week for 38 weeks which we try to run alongside the local schools’ calendar. In the main children only qualify for ECCE in one school year however children who have been assessed as having a disability may be able to spread the same time over 2 years.

At Crawford Childcare we run both sessional and daycare services. If your child attends the service they attend 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, over a 38 week period. Any extra hours and /or weeks are then charged to the parent. To take part in the scheme we offer a Montessori educational programme which adheres to the principles of Siolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Years Care and Education.

To get a place for your child, apply directly to Crawford Childcare. Places are limited and a waiting list system applies. If you have any queries regarding the service available please do not hesitate to contact Sarah or Cathy on 021 4820 630 or manager@crawfordchildcare.ie