ECCE
Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme
Information
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides early childhood care and education for children of preschool age. Children can start ECCE when they are 2 years and 8 months of age and continue until they transfer to primary school.
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The State pays participating playschools and daycare services a set amount per child to offer the ECCE service. In return, participating centers and playschools provide a preschool service free of charge to all children within the qualifying age range.
Is my Child Eligable?
Children must be enrolled at the start of the school term as there is only one entry point for ECCE registration at the beginning of the program year in September
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All children who have turned 2 years and 8 months of age before 1 September are eligible. They can continue until they transfer to primary school as long they won’t turn 5 years and 6 months on or before 30 June of the program year.
Is there a Charge?
There is no charge to parents for the playschool or daycare hours provided under the ECCE scheme. The State capitation fee pays the playschool or daycare service to provide these ECCE hours. However, if your child attends for extra hours, you will have to pay for these extra hours in the normal way.