Press release
Guidelines issued for Early Learning and Care and School Age Capital funding
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
Guidelines setting out the application process for over €6.1m in childcare capital grants have been published today (31st January 2019).
Announcing the publication, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone TD, encouraged providers to study the document and prepare the groundwork for their applications.
The 2019 Early Learning and Care and School Age Capital programmes will open for applications from 25th February to 27th March 2019.
Decisions are expected to be delivered in June 2019.
The available strands of funding are as follows:
Strand A: Creation of new places for 0-3 year olds - €4.231m (max. €50,000 per grant).
Strand B: Fire Safety for community early years services – €0.875m, (max. €15,000 per grant).
Strand C: Creation of new school age places - €1m (max. €20,000 per grant).
Both early learning and care and school age childcare providers are invited to apply.
The Application Guidelines is a detailed document containing all the information prospective applicants need to prepare themselves for making an application under the programmes.
Any interested parties are encouraged to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) with any further questions they may have, so that they can begin work and submit their applications as early as possible.
Minister Zappone added:
“This is a significant year for childcare. It will see overall Government funding increase by 117% from 2015. This year I am delighted that we have been able to secure over €6.1m for capital work which can be carried out over the summer, with a further €3m to follow on the roll out of the Affordable Childcare Scheme in the later part of the year."
“Last year’s programmes saw the creation of 1,950 new early learning and care places and 807 new school age places, as well as funding 111 essential maintenance projects for community services. I anticipate that 2019’s programme will continue this good work."
“Publication of the guidelines in a timely manner will give providers more time to consider and prepare their applications so that children can enjoy the benefits at an early date.”
Please note: Applicants are advised to pay special attention to the requirements regarding valid DCYA reference numbers included in the Application Guidelines. The closing date for applying for a new DCYA reference number for 2019 Capital is 13th March 2019.
ENDS