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For Immediate Release

21^st April 2009

SENATOR DALY WELCOMES FREE PRESCHOOL YEAR IN EARLY CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION

Senator Daly welcomes the introduction next January of a free preschool year for children nationwide. Children, who on 1^st January 2010 are aged between 3 yrs 7 months and 4yrs 10 months, are eligible to participate in the scheme. Age limits are open to appeal if a child has special needs that make the limits inappropriate.

There are two options open to childcare providers under this scheme:

·         3 hours per day, 5 days a week for 38 weeks. Capitation for this will be €64.50 per child per week.

·         2 hours 15mins per day, 5 days a week for 50 weeks with capitation of €48.50 per child per week.

Capitation is paid to the childcare provider and it is up to them to choose which option they prefer.

Any childcare provider notified to the HSE or registered with the IMEB can apply to partake in this scheme. As the scheme is voluntary for childcare providers, places are subject to availability. Details of participating services will be available online from October 2009.

For further information don’t hesitate to contact Senator Daly at 1890 337 889

-ENDS-