Free childcare expansion scheme at risk, warn preschools

Extended programme worth an average of €1,500 for the parents of young children

Preschools have warned that most are not in a position to roll out Government plans to extend free childcare from next year because they cannot afford to expand their services.

At present, every child in Ireland is entitled to a free preschool year – or 38 weeks – from the age of three. From September next year, the Coalition plans to expand the scheme to ensure children can remain in preschool until they start primary school.

The €45 million extension is estimated to be worth an average of €1,500 for the parents of young children.

However, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), the main representative body for preschools, will release details of a new survey later this week showing only 11 per cent of services plan to expand to cater for the additional numbers. The survey of about 400 preschool services has found 62 per cent of providers do not plan to expand, while 27 per cent are unsure.

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