ECCE Programme

Links Childcare is delighted to be part of the Early Childhood Care and Education programme. For many of you, your child joining the ECCE class represents more than just a move from one room to another, or indeed, joining an early childcare service. It registers another exciting step along the road in the development of your child. It is somewhat unbelievable to think that the baby whom you left with us a short while ago will now participate in an early childhood care and education setting which will help him/her to become more ‘independent’.

Pre-School Curriculum

Experts in ECCE, such as Noirín Hayes, TCD, stress that these years are ones where your child should be ‘exposed to quality learning experiences in interesting, stimulating environments, building up his/her curiosity, perseverance, problem solving and interest in learning.’ Our educators are skilled in providing that environment where it is not just about reading, writing and arithmetic, but one which strives to help your child become more ‘independent’.

What is involved in the ECCE curriculum? Our staff delivers an excellent Department of Education and Skills (DES) programme, developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), called Aistear.  The curriculum exposes your child to the educational and care environment described above. This programme in turn is supported by a set of quality standards known as Síolta which helps to ensure the delivery of a quality early childhood care and education experience. For Further information on ‘Our Curriculum’ click here.

ECCE Scheme

The ECCE scheme commences in September of each year. Your child’s enrolled care transitions with them into pre-school, should you wish to change your child’s care as they move into their pre-school class this will depend on availability at that time. If your child is not currently in full time care additional full day or morning care from pre-school will be subject to availability and is unfortunately not always available. Our accounts department will contact you regarding the ECCE fee’s Policy and Guidelines so as to assist you navigate through the paper work. You will be required to complete the ECCE grant application form at your earliest convenience and return it to your child’s crèche.
We hold a Pre-School induction session for all new pre-school children. The induction will give you and your child/ren the opportunity to meet the childcare educators who will work with your child during the year.

 

Uniform

Our Pre-School children are asked to wear the Links Childcare uniform while attending Pre-School (September-June only). This uniform is available from O’Farrell Uniform Suppliers, branches of which are located on the north and south side of the city in Portmarnock, Swords & Stillorgan. The uniform consists of a Links t-shirt and Links full zipped fleece. The t-shirt and fleece can be paired with navy tracksuit bottoms, navy leggings, navy dress and navy skirt.

At the moment we are finalising a fresh new look for our pre-school uniform, the new style will not be available in time for the start of the new academic year but should be available for purchase in January 2024. Please click here to order online once available. Children can wear any practical clothes in the meantime – something that will allow for running, jumping, dancing and is easily cleaned after a fun day!