Welcome

As you are aware, the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
(OMCYA) is implementing a free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and
Education (ECCE) scheme since January 2010.  Under the scheme, children
will qualify for a free Pre-School Year when they are aged between 3 years
3 months and 4 years 6 months in September of the relevant year.  Parents
can apply to the OMCYA to have the upper age limit extended by up to 1 year
where their child is developmentally delayed and would benefit from
starting school at a later age.
 
The OMCYA will also consider applications from parents of children with
serious disabilities to have a second free Pre-School year.  Applications
will be considered on a case by case basis and must be supported by
evidence from the treating Consultant.  This additional provision is
intended to assist children with serious disabilities who attend mainstream
pre-school settings and does not apply where a child is attending a special
needs service which is funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
 
To apply, you will need some documentation: (1) A  copy of your child's
Birth Certificate (2) Proof (e.g. social welfare letter)  of their PPS
number (3) A letter from the HSE or a Consultant (not your Family Doctor)
(4) A  letter from the Pre-School confirming that there's a place held for
your child for the following school year.
All of this documentation should be sent to:
The Department of Health and Children,
Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs,
(ECCE Scheme)
Hawkins House, Dublin 2