Early Childhood Care and Education Calculator

Planning your child’s preschool education shouldn’t involve guesswork. With Ireland’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme offering two free preschool years, understanding your child’s eligibility is crucial for both educational planning and financial savings.

The ECCE scheme represents one of Ireland’s most valuable educational supports, providing families with significant cost savings while ensuring children receive quality early learning experiences. For children born in 2022, the 2025-2026 school year marks their first opportunity to access these benefits.

What is the ECCE Scheme?

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme provides two free preschool years for children in Ireland. This government-funded program ensures that every eligible child can access quality early childhood education regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Under the ECCE scheme, children attend preschool for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, across 38 weeks of the year. This structured approach gives children a solid foundation for their educational journey while allowing parents to maintain work-life balance.

The program operates through participating childcare services, crèches, and preschools nationwide. These providers receive direct government funding for each enrolled child, eliminating the need for parents to pay standard preschool fees during ECCE hours.

Eligibility for 2025: Who Qualifies?

For the 2025-2026 ECCE program year, eligibility is determined by your child’s birth date. Children born between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, are eligible to start their first ECCE year in September 2025.

Here’s how the eligibility timeline works:

• First ECCE Year (2025-2026): Children born in 2022
• Second ECCE Year (2026-2027): Same children continue for their second year

Let’s look at a practical example. Sarah’s daughter Emma was born on March 15, 2022. Emma would be eligible to start ECCE in September 2025 at approximately 3 years and 6 months old. She can then continue for her second ECCE year starting September 2026.

Children can continue in the ECCE program until they start primary school, provided they are not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the relevant preschool year (end of June).

Understanding the Financial Benefits

The ECCE scheme delivers substantial cost savings for Irish families. Without ECCE support, many families pay between €150-€250 per week for quality preschool education.

Consider this cost-saving example: The Murphy family lives in Dublin, where private preschool costs average €200 per week. With ECCE covering 38 weeks per year, they save €7,600 annually. Over two ECCE years, their total savings reach €15,200.

These savings allow families to:

• Allocate funds to other educational resources
• Reduce financial stress during early childhood years
• Invest in additional activities or support for their children
• Maintain household financial stability

For many working parents, these savings make the difference between affording quality early education and having to seek alternative arrangements.

Access and Inclusion Model (AIM): Supporting Every Child

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) ensures that children with disabilities can fully participate in the ECCE program. AIM provides additional support without requiring a formal disability diagnosis, making the program truly inclusive.

AIM offers two types of supports:

Universal Supports: Available to all ECCE services, these include training, resources, and guidance to create inclusive environments for all children.

Targeted Supports: Tailored to individual children’s needs, these supports range from expert advice and mentoring to additional classroom assistance.

Take the example of 4-year-old James, who has autism. Through AIM, his preschool receives funding for additional staff support during group activities. This assistance helps James engage with peers and participate in structured learning, while the universal supports ensure his teachers have the training needed to create an inclusive classroom environment.

AIM recognizes that every child develops differently and provides flexible support options. Parents concerned about their child’s development should contact their chosen preschool well before the start date to discuss available AIM supports.

For comprehensive information about AIM supports and application processes, visit aim.gov.ie.

How to Apply for ECCE

The ECCE application process is straightforward, but early action is essential, especially for children who may benefit from AIM support.

Step 1: Choose Your Provider

Research and select an ECCE-participating childcare service, crèche, or preschool in your area. Most early childhood services in Ireland participate in the ECCE program.

Step 2: Contact Your Chosen Service

Reach out to your preferred provider to discuss availability and your child’s needs. If your child may require additional support through AIM, mention this during your initial contact.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Your childcare service will handle the formal application submission. You’ll need to provide your child’s birth certificate and complete the necessary documentation.

Step 4: Plan Ahead

For children with complex disabilities or specific support needs, applications should be submitted as early as possible to ensure appropriate supports are in place before the program year begins.

Applications remain open throughout the year, providing flexibility for families who may need to change providers or have timing considerations.

ECCE Calculator Tool: Your Planning Partner

Our free ECCE calculator addresses the gaps found in existing online tools by providing a comprehensive, mobile-optimized solution for busy parents.

Key Features of Our Calculator:

• Instant Eligibility Check: Enter your child’s birth date and receive immediate confirmation of their ECCE eligibility status
• Cost Savings Illustration: See exactly how much money you’ll save through ECCE participation
• Direct Application Link: Streamlined access to begin your ECCE application process
• Mobile-Optimized Design: Full functionality on smartphones, tablets, and computers
• Up-to-Date Information: Current enrollment dates and program requirements for 2025-2026
• AIM Support Information: Details about additional supports for children with disabilities

Unlike basic calculators that only show eligibility dates, our tool provides practical examples and actionable next steps. Parents can quickly understand not just when their child qualifies, but also the financial impact and how to proceed with applications.

The calculator also addresses common questions about part-time attendance options and provides clarity on the program’s structure and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child eligible for the ECCE scheme in 2025?

Children born between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, are eligible to start ECCE in September 2025. Use our calculator above for instant confirmation.

How much money can I save with the ECCE scheme?

Savings vary by location and provider, but families typically save €5,000-€10,000 annually. Our calculator provides personalized savings estimates based on your area’s average costs.

Can my child attend part-time under the ECCE scheme?

Yes, part-time attendance is possible with agreement between parents and the service provider. Funding is allocated proportionally based on actual attendance.

What types of disabilities are covered under the AIM program?

AIM supports children with various disabilities and developmental needs. Formal diagnosis is not required; each child is assessed individually based on their specific needs.

Are there any hidden fees or costs associated with the ECCE scheme?

The ECCE program covers the standard preschool education hours (3 hours per day). Additional services like extended care, meals, or extra activities may incur separate charges.

How often is the ECCE calculator updated?

Our calculator reflects the most current program rules and enrollment dates, updated regularly to ensure accuracy for each program year.

Take Action: Secure Your Child’s ECCE Place Today

The ECCE scheme offers tremendous value for Irish families, combining quality early childhood education with significant financial savings. Children born in 2022 have their first opportunity to access these benefits in September 2025.

Use our free ECCE calculator to confirm your child’s eligibility, estimate your potential savings, and access direct application links. The tool’s mobile-optimized design means you can check your child’s status anytime, anywhere.

Don’t let planning delays impact your child’s educational opportunities or your family’s financial planning. Start your ECCE journey today and give your child the foundation they deserve.