Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1490.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reasons applications have not yet opened for the promised extended AIM hours for ECCE children for the current 2024 2025 terms; can he indicate when the applications will open; consequently when the extended AIM hours will be put into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35384/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) has expanded beyond time spent in the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) programme. This allows children to access early learning and childcare settings for up to an additional 3 hours per day during the ECCE term and up to 6 hours per day outside of the ECCE term (in holiday periods).

The application process for these additional hours was made available on the Early Years Hive from Monday, 2 September. Applications submitted by the 25 October 2024, which are approved, will be backdated to the latest date of the following:

•The AIM standard funding start date.

•The date support commenced (employment of additional employee).

•The date the NCS confirmed claim commences.

AIM extended hours are available to providers from the relevant dates above.