Pre-school care plays a vital role in fostering children’s early development, providing a safe and stimulating environment for learning through play and social interaction.
About our Pre-school care program
At Clarecastle Community Playgroup, we recognise that Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is a pivotal stage in a child’s development. Our ECCE program fosters a love of learning through hands-on experiences and exploration.
Clarecastle Community Playgroup is proud to be a registered provider of the ECCE Preschool Years program. Our ECCE classes are free of charge for eligible children.
- Duration: The scheme typically runs for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 38 weeks of the year.
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 to 12:30h daily Monday to Friday.
- Age: 2 years 8 months to 5 year old children.
- Snacks: A healthy packed lunch should be provided by parents.
- Fees: See all fee rates on the Fees page.
- Registration: Complete the Pre-enrolment form or speak with our Childcare managers if you would like to avail of our after-school care.
Due to high demand, we maintain a waiting list for enrollment. We encourage parents and guardians to secure their child’s spot early by completing our pre-enrollment form as soon as possible.
What sets our ECCE program apart:
- Qualified educators: Our ECCE educators are fully trained early childhood professionals dedicated to nurturing each child’s unique potential.
- Stimulating environment: Our ECCE classroom is thoughtfully designed with carefully curated materials and dedicated work areas that encourage independent learning and exploration.
- Child-led learning: We embrace a play-based curriculum where children choose activities that spark their interest, fostering a sense of autonomy and intrinsic motivation.
- Holistic development: Through a range of engaging experiences like art, messy play, cooking, and outdoor activities, we support children’s growth across all developmental areas.
The ECCE Approach
- Observation-based: Our approach is rooted in careful observation of children’s needs and interests.
- Individualised learning: We empower children to participate in their learning journey actively, making discoveries at their own pace.
- Key skills: Our ECCE program cultivates essential skills like concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a lifelong love of learning.
- Comprehensive curriculum: We cover five main areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural activities.
Celebrating Achievements:
- Graduation Ceremony: Our ECCE year culminates in a joyous graduation ceremony where children proudly showcase their learning to their families. It’s a special moment filled with excitement and anticipation as children prepare for the transition to “Primary school.”
About the ECCE Scheme
Free Pre-School Education: The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides free pre-school education for children of pre-school age.
Offered in various settings: The scheme is available in early years settings like pre-schools, Montessori schools, crèches, and playgroups.
Duration: The scheme typically runs for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 38 weeks of the year.
Eligibility: All children are entitled to two full academic years on the ECCE scheme. Children can start in September of the year when they turn 2 years 8 months old.
Access and Inclusion Model (AIM)
AIM commenced in 2016, since then, it has helped tens of thousands of children to access and meaningfully participate in the ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) programme in pre-school settings nationwide. The model has been recognised internationally and has won awards for both excellence in practice, and inclusive policy.
