We run daily pre-school sessions for 2.8 months -4 year olds. These are part of the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE) and are free of charge. The sessions run from 8.45 am -11.45 am and 9.15 to 12.15, 5 days a week over 38 weeks.
Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides a free year of early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age. This is a highly important developmental year before children commence national school. These sessions are an enriching experience for children and help stimulate them and integrate them into the education system, so they are prepared for primary school and beyond. Young children get involved in a balanced play based programme of language, cognitive, creative and psychomotor activities. The programme caters for individual children’s learning & emotional needs through individual, small and large group activities and one to one communication.
Children are eligible for the ECCE scheme if they are aged over 2 years 8 months. Children can avail of 2 years Free Preschool and there is one intake in September each year.
Waiting List opens on February 1 each year.
The Wallaroo ECCE scheme adheres to the principles of Síolta, the national framework for early years care and education. More information for parents on ECCE.
Rates:
The Morning Pre-school Sessions (8.45 – 11.45 and 9.15-12.15) are ECCE funded so free of charge.
Non-ECCE funded children pay €15 per session.
Daily Routine
Within a very fluid and organic structure there is an approximate routine that is followed on a daily basis. This, of course, is dependent on the day, weather and particular needs of the children
Greeting Time
Children and parents/carers are greeted and helped to settle into the session including putting lunches on plates at eating tables.
Planning Time
Children are welcomed to come together to make some plans for the day ahead.
Work Time
Children begin to work on their plans and are supported in carrying them out.
Small Group Time
Pre-planned activities are offered by staff to the children. These can vary hugely depending on seasons, festivals and children’s interests.
Outside Time
Nappy Changing/Toilet: (As Appropriate)
Lunchtime
Communal eating time – all the children come together to eat and share news. This is a time when the children reflect or recall what plans they carried out earlier at work time and through the session.
Large Group Time
All the children are invited to join in the Large Group activities – Hide and Seek, Ball Games, etc.
Getting Ready To Go Home!
Wallaroo Playschool Cork 