FREE PRE-SCHOOL YEAR

 

The Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE) is a new scheme announced by Government which will provide a subsidised pre-school year to children in the year before they enter Primary school. The scheme began in January 2010.  The next point of entry is September 2010 for those eligible.

Parents need to enrol their child in the normal way at their local preschool; playgroup, Montessori, Naoinrai etc.   A list of participating services and their contact details is available for parents from our offices.

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The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) has published the consultative document on a Workforce Development Plan for the Early Childhood Care and Education sector in Ireland.

 

It is important for the local childcare sector to have an opportunity to contribute their views on the workforce plan as the final plan will impact on their future professional development. When the workforce development plan is finally in place it will address issues such as access and effective participation in education and training programmes. By providing a path for training and skills development it will contribute to setting sectoral standards for all awards in early childhood care and education. Qualified staff along with a developmentally appropriate “curriculum” is amongst the important features of an effective early care and education programme.

 

The workforce development plan and the background discussion paper may be downloaded by going to the website of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. www.omcya.ie