Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme

The DCYA (Department of Children and Youth Affairs) issued a guidance document on the 14th May 2012 which outlines the changes to the Child Care (Pre School Services) Regulations 2006 which will only affect the service providers participating in the ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme) programme.

CHANGES TO ECCE STAFFING AND SPACE/AREA RATIOS EFFECTIVE FROM SEPTEMBER

The Child and Family Agency will be implementing these changes in accordance with the guidance issued by the DCYA. There may be isolated areas where planning permission may interfere with the proposed changes and these will be considered on a case by case basis.

Further points of clarification;

• This new guideline only applies where the provider is participating in the ECCE scheme
• The new staff ratios, space ratios and sanitary accommodation changes only apply to the sessional element of the service (note: not all children are required to be in an ECCE placement).
• If a prosecution is being taken by the Child and Family Agency or the Child and Family Agency has serious concerns in regard to an ECCE participating service, this information will be forwarded to the DCYA for their information and advancement in accordance with the ECCE scheme contracts.
• The County Child Care Committees will be contacting inspectors to ensure all ECCE participants for the September 2012 scheme are notified.
• This will come into affect from 01st September 2012.