Early Start Pre-School Programme
What is the Early Start Pre-School Programme?
The Early Start Pre-School Programme is a one-year pre-school programme offered in selected schools in some disadvantaged areas.
Early Start is for children aged between 3 and 5 years who are at risk of not reaching their potential in school.
A child may either be enrolled in Early Start or in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme. They cannot be enrolled in both schemes at the same time.
You can get a list of the schools in the Early Start Programme on the Department of Education website.
Early Start staff
The Early Start Pre-School Programme is staffed by fully qualified primary school teachers and childcare workers.
Parental involvement
Parents are encouraged to become involved in the planning and organising of activities.
The Early Start staff work with the school's Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator to encourage parents to take part in the centre's activities