Sessional / Full Day
Sessional Services offer a planned programme for usually no more than 3.5 hours per session and include pre-schools, playgroups, crèches, Naionrai and Montessori groups. These are usually available to children aged three and over. A 1999 survey by Pobal found that playgroups made up nearly 60% of all sessional care.
Full Day Care Services are provided to pre-school children for more than 3.5 hours. These include day nurseries and crèches. These are usually geared at all ages of pre-school children, including babies and can often also take in school children in the afternoon. The National Children's Nurseries Association (NCNA) provide a national support network for nurseries.
Drop-in Centres: Children can be left for a short time while parents avail of a service, such as shopping or a gym.
What is the Early Start Programme?
The Early Start Programme is managed, funded and evaluated by the Department of Education and Science. It is a one-year preventative intervention scheme offered in selected schools in designated disadvantaged areas in Ireland.
The aim of the Early Start Programme is to implement an educational programme that will enhance the overall development of young children and prevent school failure. Early Start Centres cater for approx. 60 children between 3 and 4 years of age. The centre's timetables permit two separate groups of pupils to attend either morning or afternoon classes. Parental involvement is a key element of the programme.
The Early Start Curriculum prioritises four core areas of language, cognition, social and personal development. Development is enhanced through engaging the children in structured play activities.
Links & Resources
Early Start Programme
The aims of Early Start are to implement an educational programme that will enhance the overall development of young children and prevent school failure, and to counteract the effects of social disadvantage. more »
Department of Education and Science
The mission of this Department is to provide high-quality education which will (a) enable individuals to achieve their full potential and to participate fully as members of society; and (b) contribute to Ireland's social, cultural and economic development. more »
Pobal
Pobal's mission is to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and equality through integrated social and economic development within communities. more »
National Children's Nurseries Association
The work of the NCNA mainly concentrates on providing advice, support and training for member nurseries as well as raising public awareness regarding issues effecting the childcare sector. more »