Early childhood education in Ireland.

Early childhood education in Ireland is a crucial part of the country's education system. It refers to the education and care provided to children from birth to six years of age, and it plays a vital role in the overall development of a child.

In Ireland, early childhood education is delivered through a range of services, including pre-schools, crèches, childminders, and playgroups. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs is responsible for the regulation and funding of these services.

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is the main government-funded initiative for early childhood education in Ireland. This programme provides free pre-school education to all children aged between three and five years for three hours a day, five days a week, for 38 weeks of the year.

The ECCE programme is delivered by a range of service providers, including community-based childcare services, private providers, and primary schools. The curriculum is designed to promote the holistic development of children, including their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

In addition to the ECCE programme, the government also provides funding for a range of other initiatives to support early childhood education in Ireland, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), which provides additional supports for children with disabilities or additional needs.

Overall, early childhood education in Ireland is an essential part of the country's education system, providing a foundation for children's future learning and development.

Yours, Conall МcLinn

Primary school teacher, Ireland