Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if your child qualifies for free preschool education and how the ECCE programme covers daily childcare costs.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme provides free preschool education to young children to support their early learning and development.
Who it's for
This programme is available to children within a specific age range, specifically from 2 years 8 months up to 5 years 6 months old.
What you get
Qualifying children receive free preschool education. This consists of 3 hours of schooling per day, five days a week.
What it costs you
There is no cost to you for this service. The funding is provided directly to the preschool provider.
The catch to know
The free entitlement only covers the core hours of the preschool day. If you require "wraparound care"—which are extra hours before or after the standard session—you will be charged the full price for those additional times.
How to apply
- Check your child's age to ensure they fall within the qualifying range.
- Contact your local preschool or childcare provider to discuss their enrollment process.
- Confirm with the provider how they manage the ECCE funding for your child's specific hours.