E.C.C.E. Free Pre-school Year
Background
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), which provides a free pre-school year to all children, was initially introduced by the Government from January 2010. Rossmore Playgroup is fully engaged in the scheme.
The ECCE is designed to give children access to a free pre-school year of appropriate programme-based activities in the year before they start primary school. Participation in a pre-school programme provides children with their
first formal experience of early learning, the starting point of their educational and social development outside the home. Children who avail of pre-school are more likely to be ready for school and a formal learning and social environment.
Eligibility
The ECCE scheme is open to all children aged between three years and two months and four years and six months on the 1st of September each year. To avail of free pre-school for the year beginning September 2014, children must have been born between 2nd February 2010 and 30th June 2011. All children born between 2nd February 2011 and 30th June 2011 can choose between availing of their free pre-school year in September 2014 or in September 2015.
Sessions
Children enrolled for the free pre-school year in September 2014 can expect to receive pre-school year sessions for five days per week (15 hours per week) over 38 weeks, free of charge.
Optional Extras
Certain activities such as music etc., which we have always included, are not covered by the scheme. Children enrolled in the scheme can opt in to these activities for a modest additional fee. Partaking in such activities is optional.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), which provides a free pre-school year to all children, was initially introduced by the Government from January 2010. Rossmore Playgroup is fully engaged in the scheme.
The ECCE is designed to give children access to a free pre-school year of appropriate programme-based activities in the year before they start primary school. Participation in a pre-school programme provides children with their
first formal experience of early learning, the starting point of their educational and social development outside the home. Children who avail of pre-school are more likely to be ready for school and a formal learning and social environment.
Eligibility
The ECCE scheme is open to all children aged between three years and two months and four years and six months on the 1st of September each year. To avail of free pre-school for the year beginning September 2014, children must have been born between 2nd February 2010 and 30th June 2011. All children born between 2nd February 2011 and 30th June 2011 can choose between availing of their free pre-school year in September 2014 or in September 2015.
Sessions
Children enrolled for the free pre-school year in September 2014 can expect to receive pre-school year sessions for five days per week (15 hours per week) over 38 weeks, free of charge.
Optional Extras
Certain activities such as music etc., which we have always included, are not covered by the scheme. Children enrolled in the scheme can opt in to these activities for a modest additional fee. Partaking in such activities is optional.