Subsidy periodic statement of preschool costs

All children deserve a good start to primary school. Under the Toddler Care Subsidy Scheme, toddlers from families who are not eligible for the government’s childcare allowance are also given the opportunity to attend a toddler playgroup. This applies, for example, to pre-schoolers from families where one of the parents is not in work, or where the single parent is unable to work or is unemployed. The subsidy makes subsidised places available in childcare, thereby reducing the costs for parents. Would you like to make use of such a subsidised place for your child? If so, please contact the childcare organisation of your choice.

 
Read more
RequestSubmit a periodic return
Home | Services and Information | Grants | Grants entrepreneurs | Subsidy periodic statement of preschool costs

  • As a provider, you comply with the Childcare Act and the Childcare Innovation and Quality Act
  • The childcare centre or centres for which you are applying for a grant
    • is(are) registered in the National Childcare Register
    • meet the quality requirements set out in the Childcare Quality Decree
    • No obligations subject to a penalty payment have been imposed
  • The childcare centre or centres for which you are applying for a grant must have the following information on file for each family:
    • A statement from parents confirming that their child is not eligible for pre-school education
    • A statement that a person is not entitled to childcare allowance
    • A statement of income or a recent annual tax statement

View the text of the grant scheme

The local authority subsidises up to 8 hours of childcare per week during term time. When calculating the amount of the subsidy, the council uses the nationally set hourly rate for day care as the maximum – €11.23 in 2026. The contribution paid by parents is deducted from this amount.

When submitting your application, please include an appendix explaining how you have calculated the grant amount.

Calculation of childcare subsidy – Appendix 1 (xlsx, 15.2 kB)

In Appendix 2, please indicate the income bracket to which the parents of the toddlers for whom you are submitting the application belong.

Calculation of childcare subsidy – Appendix 2 (xlsx, 14.5 kB)

This information provides the local authority with an overview of the families benefiting from the subsidy scheme for pre-school childcare costs. You can download both appendices and attach them to your online application.

The parental contribution is the same as the parental contribution paid by parents who are entitled to childcare allowance.

If the childcare provider charges a lower hourly rate, the parental contribution will be reduced by this lower hourly rate. If the hourly rate is higher, the subsidy will be calculated on the basis of the maximum hourly rate set at national level. Parents must pay the difference themselves, in addition to the parental contribution.

The grant is awarded for a maximum of one calendar year.

More information

Related