Types of childcare in Ireland, explained
Irish childcare comes in a few distinct shapes, and the names are not always obvious. This is what each type means, who it suits, and how funding may apply.
Sessional preschool
Sometimes called playschool, Montessori preschool or naíonra.
- Part-time early education, typically up to 3.5 hours per session, often during school terms.
- Caters for preschool children; children eligible for ECCE can receive the funded programme within this type of setting.
- The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides three free preschool hours per day, five days a week, over 38 weeks per year for eligible children. Additional hours or optional extras may cost extra.
- Suits families looking for structured early learning without needing full-day childcare.
Full day care
Often called a crèche or day nursery.
- Structured childcare for more than five hours a day. Opening hours and whether the service operates year-round depend on the provider.
- Caters for preschool children, including babies at services that accept them.
- Meals, naps and daily activities vary by provider, so check what's included.
- Eligible children may attend ECCE within a full-day service. Additional hours may be charged separately, and NCS subsidies may be available through participating providers.
- Suits parents who need childcare for most of the working day.
After-school / school-age care
May include breakfast clubs and school collection.
- Provides care and activities outside school hours, including before school, after school and sometimes during school holidays.
- Usually serves primary-school-aged children, although school-age services can cater for children under 15 who attend primary or post-primary education.
- Services may offer school collection, snacks, homework time and holiday programmes, depending on the provider.
- NCS subsidies may be available for eligible children through participating providers.
- Suits families who need childcare around the school day or during school holidays.
Childminders
Care in the childminder's own home.
- A childminder cares for children in their own home. This differs from a nanny, who generally cares for children in the family's home.
- Childminding can offer a home-based setting, flexible arrangements and care for children of different ages.
- Childminder registration is changing. Regulations introduced in September 2024 created a three-year transition period during which childminders can register with Tusla but are not yet generally required to do so. The transition period runs into 2027.
- Childminders who register with Tusla can apply to participate in the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). NCS support is not automatically available through every childminder.
- If you're considering a childminder, ask about registration, NCS participation, experience, arrangements and availability.
What about Montessori and Naíonra?
These describe an educational approach or language setting rather than a separate Tusla service-duration category. A Montessori preschool or naíonra may operate as a sessional service or as part of a longer day-care service:
- Montessori: an educational approach that encourages independence and hands-on learning in a prepared environment, often using specific learning materials. The actual approach and implementation vary between providers.
- Naíonra: an Irish-medium early-years setting where Irish is the main language of the setting. It can be a good option for families who want their children to experience early learning through Irish, even if Irish isn't spoken at home.
A note on what the directory shows
Our service-type labels are based on categories in the Tusla register. Montessori and naíonra labels may be inferred from provider names rather than assigned through an official classification, so these results may be incomplete or occasionally inaccurate.
Availability, prices and waiting lists are determined by individual providers, so always confirm details directly. Once you have a shortlist, the Tusla inspection report linked to a listing is a useful source for understanding the service's inspection history.