The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE ) free pre-school scheme is now a part of mainstream government funding and parents are assured their children will have access to a free year of pre-school education.
This was the message from Sylda Langford, director general, the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, who was speaking at Galway City and County Childcare Committee’s seventh annual childcare conference at the weekend.
Children born between February 2 2005 and June 30 2006 are eligible for a free pre-school place in January 2010. Children born between February 2 2006 and June 30 2007 can avail of their free pre-school place in September 2010.
The theme of the conference was “Nurturing Bright, Balanced Children in Modern Times.”
While delivering an interactive and informative talk Sue Palmer, one of the UK’s leading child development experts, argued that “Love does not equal indulgence.” Raising bright, balanced children in the modern world centred on the importance of play, sleep and the appropriate roles of TV, computers and mobile phones, she said. This linked in with Dr John Sharry’s presentation as he stressed the mantra “Pause, Think and Plan” could be a foundation to positive discipline.
A list of services participating in the ECCE scheme is available from Galway City and County Childcare Committee. Telephone (091 ) 752039 or email [email protected] if you would like a list or have any questions about the ECCE Scheme.
