The Free Pre-school Year and Children with Special Needs

The Free Pre-school Year and Children with Special Needs

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA), have put in place an age exemption for children with special needs. The exemption allows parents to apply to the DCYA to allow their child to

• Enter the scheme at an older age, or

• Avail of the scheme on a pro-rata basis over 2 years, e.g. 2 days per week in year one and 3 days per week in year two.

Parents must make a written application to the DCYA for such an exemption before their child enters the scheme.

The application must include

1. A copy of the child's Birth Certificate

2. Evidence of the child's PPSN (i.e. a copy of an official document or card showing the child’s name and PPSN, e.g. a Drug Repayment Scheme card, a Medical Card, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection).

3. The name and address of the pre-school service in which the child will be enrolled, and

4. A detailed assessment report from the HSE, or treating consultant confirming that the child has special needs which will either delay his/her entry to primary school or make it more suitable that s/he avails of the pre-school year on a pro-rata basis over two years.

Applications should be sent directly to Age Exemptions, ECCE Section, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, 43-49 Mespil Road, Dublin 4.

The closing date for applications is the 1st of July each year.

(Extract from the County Limerick Childcare Committee Summer Newsletter 2012 - Lower Ground Floor, Croom Mills, Croom, Co. Limerick)

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