Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

841. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children born in January will not be able to avail of their entitlement to two years of ECCE from 2 years and 7 months of age and then commence primary school at 4 years and 7 months of age in circumstances in which this is in the best interests of the child having regard to their social and emotional development and their school readiness; her plans to reform the ECCE programme in order that it is aligned with primary school enrolment policies and allows parents the flexibility to avail of their entitlement from the time a child reaches 2 years and 7 months of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31014/18]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

842. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether it is fair that children born in January will not be able to avail of their entitlement to two years of ECCE from the age of two years and seven months and then commence primary school at four years and seven months in which this is in the best interests of the child having regard to their social and emotional development and their school readiness; if she will reform the ECCE programme in order that it is aligned with primary school enrolment policies and allows parents the flexibility to avail of their entitlement from the time a child reaches two years and seven months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31045/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 841 and 842 together.

From September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months will be eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE). This measure refines the development previously introduced, whereby three intake dates were adopted (September, January and April), and will increase the duration of each registered child on ECCE from a current average of 61 weeks, to a potential duration of 76 weeks (two programme years). This further enhancement delivers on a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government that is good for children, families and Early Years providers.

The provision of a second year of ECCE required either an increase in the upper age limit for ECCE, or a reduction in the lower age limit. The latter was chosen and is consistent with the law in this country with regard to school start age and the associated policy of the Department of Education and Skills.

This minimum age was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years care and education in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. The upper age limit will remain the same (i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year).

This new measure will address the previous situation with regard to three entry points whereby there was a broad fluctuation in the number of free preschool weeks a child could avail of –(between 61 and 88 weeks depending on the date of birth of the child) – and will ensure a programme that is equitable for all children. As with any large scheme at national level, clear rules are required to ensure transparency and objectivity in administration. It is a feature however of such schemes that where cut off points relate to age, some applicants benefit more than others.

The number of entry points will revert to one at the beginning of September 2018. One enrolment period at the start of the pre-school year will help streamline the administration process and will make it easier for childcare providers to operate and budget for the programme year. This will also make it easier for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.

A child will not be able to commence their ECCE in September 2018 if they will not have reached the age of 2 years and 8 months on or before 31st August 2018.  Their ECCE eligibility commences in 2019, and will continue for a further year from September 2020 until June 2021.  

It must be noted that parents have the discretion to decide how much of ECCE to avail of for their child. A decision may be made to utilise only one year of the programme for various reasons.  For example, some parents of children born in the first quarter of the year, as outlined by the Deputy, may prefer for their child to start school at 4 years of age rather than 5. These parents may therefore opt for 1 year of ECCE only.

The entry and exit points for ECCE for children with disabilities is currently being reviewed. The National Disability Authority has conducted some research on the matter and has led a national consultation process with parents and providers. It is due to report shortly. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together to ensure that early years and school age education policies are consistent and meet the best interest of children.

In terms of childcare costs, it should be noted that parents of children aged from 6 months to the age of eligibility for ECCE can avail of the new universal subsidy of up to €1040 per year, introduced in 2017.