Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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213. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the ECCE scheme can be extended in special circumstances for children with disabilities who are not ready to start school at five years of age and need a further year in preschool to develop intellectual and communication skills (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52405/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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For the programme year 2017/2018, parents may request an exemption from ECCE eligibility criteria under limited circumstances from my Department; specifically where a child is assessed as having a special/additional need. Applications for exemptions from ECCE eligibility criteria for 2017/2018, must be supported by a letter from a medical specialist (not a GP/PHN) specifying the child's special/additional need and diagnosis and confirmation that they (the medical specialist) specifically recommends an extra year of preschool for the child.

Unfortunately there is insufficient information provided regarding the child referred to in the Deputy’s question to provide a definitive response as to whether an over age exemption can be approved for the 2017/2018 programme year in this instance. I would urge that the family in question should engage with my Department on the matter who will be willing to assist to achieve the best outcome for all concerned.

My Department also offers the Access and Inclusion programme (AIM) which is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access and fully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The AIM Early Years Specialists will work with the parents (and guardians), Providers, Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) and others (as appropriate) to support the child's transition to primary school.

Parents, guardians and providers are advised to engage with the AIM process where a concern in relations to a child's transition to primary school is identified. More detailed information on AIM can be found at www.aim.gov.ie.

The Department of Education and Skill (DES) also provides for the education of children with special educational needs through a number of support mechanisms, depending on the child's assessed disability.

Decisions regarding the over-age exemption for children hoping to avail of ECCE in the 2018/2019 programme year have been deferred until further consultation with parents occurs. My Department is committed to giving parents appropriate notice regarding the decision that is ultimately made.