Extension of deadline to register for free pre-school year - Wallace
12th January 2010
“Service Providers have an extra week to register children for the Government’s free pre-school year.” according to Meath East TD Mary Wallace.
“The original date for participating services to make an electronic return with the children’s details was January 22nd. However, recognising the current weather conditions the date has been extended to January 29th. This, in turn, will give parents an extra week to register with service providers, which they are asked to do by January 20th.”
Children born between 2 February 2005 and 30 June 2006, an age range of almost 17 months, are eligible to participate in the Early Child Care and Education scheme.
Deputy Wallace continued “Any parent who is unsure about their child’s eligibility for the Scheme can get further information from the Meath County Childcare Committee. The Meath County Childcare Committee can be contacted on 046-9073010 or www.mccc.ie. They will also be able to advise parents what service providers are operating the scheme in their area.”
“The pre-school year is free for all parents regardless of their income and I want to encourage all parents with children who are in the right age bracket to avail of it.”
“Children enrolled in playschools will receive free pre-school provision of 3 hours per day, 5 days each week over a 38-week year. This equates to a weekly capitation grant to the service provider of €64.50.”
“Children enrolled in full or part-time childcare services will receive free pre-school provision of 2 hours and 15 minutes per day, five days a week over a 50 week period. This equates to a weekly capitation grant to the service of €48.50, with parents paying for their childcare net of this amount. Over the course of the year, the financial benefit of the scheme for a single child is over €2,400 euro.”
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