<p data-start="2843" data-end="2907"><strong>School-aged Children who Need After School Care Until Evening</strong></p> <ul data-start="2908" data-end="3174"> <li data-start="2908" data-end="2968"> <p data-start="2910" data-end="2968">Often run on school grounds or nearby community centres.</p> </li> <li data-start="2969" data-end="3035"> <p data-start="2971" data-end="3035">Activities include homework help, sports, arts, and free play.</p> </li> <li data-start="3036" data-end="3065"> <p data-start="3038" data-end="3065">Hours: usually until 6pm.</p> </li> <li data-start="3066" data-end="3095"> <p data-start="3068" data-end="3095">Fees: €100–€150 per week.</p> </li> <li data-start="3096" data-end="3174"> <p data-start="3098" data-end="3174">Some clubs also run holiday camps during midterms, Easter, and summer.</p> </li> </ul>

<p data-start="1497" data-end="1538"><strong>Flexible, home-based childminding care</strong></p> <ul data-start="1539" data-end="1929"> <li data-start="1539" data-end="1613"> <p data-start="1541" data-end="1613">Small group care in the minder’s own home (often with other children).</p> </li> <li data-start="1614" data-end="1685"> <p data-start="1616" data-end="1685">More personal setting — often easier for siblings to stay together.</p> </li> <li data-start="1686" data-end="1727"> <p data-start="1688" data-end="1727">Can do school drop-offs and pick-ups.</p> </li> <li data-start="1728" data-end="1826"> <p data-start="1730" data-end="1826">Registered childminders meet Tusla safety and training standards, but some operate informally.</p> </li> </ul>

<p data-start="85" data-end="120"><strong data-start="85" data-end="118">Structured Care for Babies and Toddlers</strong></p> <ul data-start="122" data-end="600"> <li data-start="122" data-end="187"> <p data-start="124" data-end="187">Larger group settings in purpose-built or adapted facilities.</p> </li> <li data-start="188" data-end="279"> <p data-start="190" data-end="279">Cater for babies right through to preschoolers, often with multiple rooms by age group.</p> </li> <li data-start="280" data-end="389"> <p data-start="282" data-end="389">Set routines, activities, and play designed to support social, emotional, and early learning development.</p> </li> <li data-start="390" data-end="493"> <p data-start="392" data-end="493">Staff are trained in childcare and early education, with creches registered and inspected by Tusla.</p> </li> <li data-start="494" data-end="600"> <p data-start="496" data-end="600">Many participate in <a href="https://www.mindme.ie/index.php">ECCE</a> and the <a href="https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/">National Childcare Scheme</a> to help with costs.</p> </li> </ul>

<p data-start="1100" data-end="1161"><strong>Early Education for Children Aged 2.5–5 years</strong></p> <ul data-start="1162" data-end="1465"> <li data-start="1162" data-end="1235"> <p data-start="1164" data-end="1235">Based on hands-on learning, independence, and self-paced development.</p> </li> <li data-start="1236" data-end="1292"> <p data-start="1238" data-end="1292">Typically run <strong data-start="1252" data-end="1273">3–5 hours per day</strong>, term-time only.</p> </li> <li data-start="1293" data-end="1391"> <p data-start="1295" data-end="1391">Can be part of the <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/pre-school-education-and-childcare/early-childhood-care-and-education-scheme/"><strong data-start="1314" data-end="1329">ECCE Scheme</strong> </a>(free preschool hours for children aged 2 years 8 months+).</p> </li> <li data-start="1392" data-end="1465"> <p data-start="1394" data-end="1465">Some Montessoris offer wraparound care in the mornings or afternoons.</p> </li> </ul>