Your Child’s Education & Childcare

Parents of younger children can find information on DCEDIY operated childcare schemes along with details of other Early Learning and Care resources such as Parent and Toddler Groups and Core Funding by visiting here

mychild.ie provides information and advice on child health and development during the early years of a child’s life.

Play is the language of children, it is how they learn about and interact with the world.

Let’s Play Ireland, is an annual government-led campaign designed to remind everyone, young and old, of the fundamental importance of play. For play resources go to gov.ie/letsplayireland.

First 5 have designed a series of tipsheets to engage, inspire and support children and their families to play and learn together. You can find these tipsheets and more at First 5

Tip sheets on play for babies and young children up to six years of age in early learning settings, are available in 7 languages here: National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

City/County Childcare Committees (CCC) are located nationwide and support and assist families with childcare matters.

The National Childcare Scheme provides financial support for childcare through universal and income-related subsidies, for children up to the age of 15. You can apply online at ncs.gov.ie.

The Early Childhood Care and Education Programme

The ECCE programme is a universal two-year preschool programme available to all children within the eligible age range. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year (from September to June).

Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the ECCE programme. AIM is a child-centred model, providing levels of progressive support based on the needs of the child and the preschool setting. Learn more at aim.gov.ie.

Early Childhood Ireland have developed two leaflets designed specifically to support parents as they prepare their child for starting pre-school or primary school. Both leaflets can be found on the Early Childhood Ireland website.

The Department of Education have published a video series which highlights the pivotal role that parents, early years practitioners and primary school teachers play in supporting transitions in education for children. The series can be viewed here.

The National Parents Council have developed online resources for parents of pre-school/primary school aged children which support parents with their child’s learning within the home environment. The Early Years Learning at Home Programme can be accessed by clicking here.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) work with educational stakeholders to develop research-informed curriculum and assessment. The NCCA have published a Pres-school to Primary School Transition initiative which is available here.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) provide resources and support for children with special educational needs. Guidance outlining planning and supports which enable a child’s successful transition from Early childcare and pre-school to primary school, from primary school to post-primary school and from post-primary school to further education is available on the NCSE website.

For information specific to supporting a child who has special educational needs in their transition from primary to post-primary school click on the NCSE website here.

NCSE guidelines and videos on supporting your child’s transition from primary to post-primary school are available here.

A wide range of advice, videos, tips and research surrounding a child’s transition from primary to post-primary school are available via the StepUp website.

The cost of funding schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for all pupils attending recognised primary and special schools has been removed under the Item was unpublished or removed. Further information on this scheme is available on the Item was unpublished or removed.

The First 5 My Little Library initiative offers a book bag with books and resources to every 4 and 5 year old going to school in September. The children will be invited through their Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) service to visit their local library and pick up a bag of books and join the library.

The objective of this action is that all children starting school in September will have story books in their home and be members of their local library. Further information on the My Little Library book bag initiative is available here.

<strong>Let's Get Ready</strong> is a Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth initiative that brings together helpful tips and resources on managing a child’s transition to pre-school or primary school. The website also contains information on supports for pre-school and primary school aged children who have additional needs along with lots of fun ideas for indoor and outdoor play.

Moving from primary school to post-primary school is an exciting time. However, it can also be a challenging time for young people and those around them. To help with this transition, Jigsaw have published an article which outlines how parents can support their child’s mental health during this time. The article can be accessed by clicking here.

The School Completion Programme (SCP) is a targeted programme of support for primary and post-primary school aged children who have been identified as potentially at risk of early school leaving or who are not participating in education or employment. SCP aims to retain a young person to completion of the leaving certificate, equivalent qualification or suitable level of educational attainment which enables them to transition into further education, training or employment. Further information is available here.

The Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) aims to improve educational outcomes for students who are most at risk of poor attendance by working with parents/guardians of students experiencing educational disadvantage. Further information on the HSCL scheme are available here.

The Youthreach programme provides two years integrated education, training and work experience for unemployed early school leavers without any qualifications or vocational training who are between 15 and 20 years of age.Further information on the Youthreach programme is available via your local Employment and Training Board (ETB) or by clicking here.

The Cork/Kerry Primary Care Paediatric Occupational Therapist team have published a document which provides parents with helpful tips to manage their child’s transition to post-primary school. Examples of topics covered include, preparing your child for a new school setting, establishing routine, managing school clothes and approaching homework/study. This document is published by the HSE and is available here.