Welcome.
This website provides information on the first big step towards childcare that is:
- accessible,
- affordable and
- high quality.
Changes have now begun which will benefit up to 70,000 children and their families by helping to make more affordable childcare more accessible.
Supports are being provided in two ways.
Firstly there is a universal support for all children aged between 6-months up to the start of the ECCE (free pre-school programme). This is not means tested.
Secondly we are providing enhanced supports for families who need it most. This can be as much as €7,500 per child per year for children up to 15 years of age.
I hope you find the information provided useful and easy to follow.
Over 84% of applicable services have signed up to deliver more affordable childcare for families in Ireland. An up to date list of participating services is available on the parent section of this website.
The website will be updated regularly, so please do check back in.
Regards
Dr Katherine Zappone,
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
- Click here to read more about the new universal non means tested subsidy of up €1,040 per year.
- Click here to find out if your family qualifies for enhanced supports of up to €7,500 per child per year.
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions for Parents section by clicking here.
- Click here if you would like to speak to someone in your area about how these supports work