Free Pre-school Year: Information for Parents

Exceptions to the Age Range

The OMCYA have made provision whereby parents can apply for an exemption to the age range, only in the case where the child is older than the specified age. The age limit will only be extended for a child who cannot start primary school until s/he is more than 5 years 6 months of age due to

•  the enrolment policy of the local National School or

•  having been assessed as developmentally delayed by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In both cases, the parent must make a written request for an exemption to the OMCYA. This request must include the following information,

•  The Child's Name, Date of Birth and PPS Number

•  The Name of the childcare service the child is/will be attending

And one of the following

•  A copy of the Enrolment Policy from the local National School, or

•  A letter from the child's Consultant or the HSE

Fees

Children who attend a pre-school service (pre-school, playgroup, Montessori, Naionra etc.) for 3hours per day, 5 days per week, for 38 weeks per year are not required to pay any fee to the childcare service. The childcare service is allowed to charge for additional services, such as extra hours, day trips and transport, on condition that these services and fees are optional to parents.

Children who attend a pre-school service as part of their day at a crèche are entitled to 2hrs 15min of pre-school per day, 5 days a week for 50 weeks per year. These children are entitled to a reduction of €48.50 on their weekly childcare bill.

If a parent has a query in relation to the fee they are being charged by their childcare service, under the ECCE Scheme, they should speak with their Childcare Provider or contact County Limerick Childcare Committee.