Budget 2018 offers two free years under ECCE scheme

BUDGET 2018 announcements of an increase in funding for the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme (ECCE) will come as a welcome boost to families. Minister for Children, Katherine Zappone said entitlement under the current Early Childhood Care and Education scheme would expand from September 2018 to two free years for children aged at least two years and eight months.

ECCE essentially means the state pays capitation fees to participating playschools and daycare services which in return provide a pre-school service free of charge to all children within the qualifying age range for a set number of hours over a set period of weeks. Children will be able to enroll in pre-school at 3 different points (September, January and April) in the school year in order to access the scheme. The school year is normally from September to June.

The extension means more crèches can now register for the programme, which offers sessional Montessori for a full 2 years. In total, this will represent a capitation increase of 7% from September, 2018.

Enrolling a child in childcare services can be a hard decision for parents or guardians, one that requires them to take into account the child’s age when applying, the hours and length of time spent in childcare, your budget, assessing and finding out where the best service options are in your area, while deciding on what kind of childcare best suits your lifestyle is CHOOSING the right place for your child is a process that leaves many parents and guardians addled and confused. But it needn’t be so complex and stressful. Sometimes we tend to aim too high for the ‘facts and figures’ which blunts or natural inclinations when it comes to proper childcare. When it comes to choosing childcare, trust your observational skills and simply ask around to see if what you are hearing matches what you’ve experienced.

Trust your senses and ask parents who’ve had children attend the centre; ask the staff any questions you have as they will only be too glad to advise you. Most of your concerns are likely to be anxiety working overtime. This is easily remedied by sitting down, taking 5, and writing down the genuine queries which will help you separate them from the not so important ones. Here’s a few things to consider.

Ensure there are trained and experienced staff who are responsive to your child’s needs

Try to source a busy but relaxed environment.

Hygiene and safety are the most important. Look for this and make sure outdoor play areas are secure and safe.

Where necessary, check that there’s cultural sensitivity and responsiveness to a child’s home life.

Are there fun activities planned for each day? Childminders and nurseries need to have a well-planned schedule to meet the interests of children and their enthusiasm.

See that there’s an organised exercise and ‘quiet time’ schedule. A combination of both is important. Always look for a big enthusiastic welcome for you and your child.