Childcare in Dublin
Need a childminder in Ireland? Don’t forget your wallet. This industry is one of the fastest growing in Ireland and unaffected by the recession. But for expats planning to arrive in 2010 or later, relief is in sight. The government recently announced the ECCE Government Pre School Scheme which guarantees children one year of free pre-school education in listed centres.
Childcare is offered in four different sectors: sessional services, full-day care, childminders and drop-in centres.
ECCE Government Pre School Scheme
This new scheme offers parents a choice of a free year consisting of 50 weeks or 38 weeks depending on their needs. Giraffe Childcare, Crèche of the Year 2009, explains the system this way:
“Under the 50 week scheme the government will contribute €48.50 per week for 50 weeks. This covers the cost of 2 hours 15 minutes childcare per day for 5 days per week or 3 hours 45 minutes per day for 3 days per week to children who register and qualify for the scheme. Under the 38 week scheme the government will contribute €64.50 for 3 hours per day for 5 days per week to children who are registered and qualify.”
Childcare Centres
These centres can be found in every urban area and are growing in popularity in rural areas. They usually cater to children aged from 3 months to 12 years. Opening hours vary but they usually open early in the morning for pre-work care. And many offer after-school care for older children.
In general costs in Dublin are significantly higher than in other parts of the country. The National Children’s Nursery Association reported that families with 2 or more children can pay more for childcare than for their mortgage.
Childminders
This system is great for parents who wish to leave their children in a private home with a smaller number of children or have a childminder come to their house. Usually a childminder will take in 1 – 4 children at a time. The relationship between childminder and parents can become very close. Costs are lower than with a childcare centre, however if the minder is ill there is no back-up for the working parent.
Useful links:
