Ireland Guide

Preschool Curriculum in Ireland

Everything school owners, directors, and teachers in Ireland need to know about preschool standards, licensing, funding, and choosing a curriculum that meets local requirements.

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National framework
Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta National Quality Framework
Regulator
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate and Department of Children
Age range
Birth to 6 years
Typical ratios
1:3 under-1

Ireland early learning standards

The official curriculum framework for preschools in Ireland is the Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta National Quality Framework.

IPC supports Aistear's four interconnected themes — Wellbeing, Identity and Belonging, Communicating, Exploring and Thinking.

Public funding programs in Ireland

ECCE Programme
Two years of free preschool for children aged 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months.
National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
Universal and income-assessed subsidies for registered childcare.

How IPC fits preschools in Ireland

IPC gives Ireland preschools 20,000+ ready-to-teach activities, lesson plans, parent reports, and assessment tools that map to Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta National Quality Framework. Trusted by 20,000+ schools and 60,000+ teachers across 98 countries.

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Opening a new setting?

Playschool startup guide for Ireland

From licensing and ratios to choosing a preschool curriculum, our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to open a playschool in Ireland and align it to Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta National Quality Framework.

How to start a playschool in Ireland

Frequently asked questions

What preschool curriculum is required in Ireland?
Ireland preschools follow Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta National Quality Framework. IPC supports Aistear's four interconnected themes — Wellbeing, Identity and Belonging, Communicating, Exploring and Thinking.
Who licenses preschools in Ireland?
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth oversees early childhood settings in Ireland.
What public funding is available for preschool in Ireland?
ECCE Programme: Two years of free preschool for children aged 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months. National Childcare Scheme (NCS): Universal and income-assessed subsidies for registered childcare.
Can IPC be used as a preschool curriculum in Ireland?
Yes. IPC is trusted by 20,000+ schools across 98 countries. Activities, lesson plans, and assessments map to Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta National Quality Framework.

Related guides for Ireland

How to start a playschool in Ireland Compare preschool curriculum models How to start a playschool (global overview) Preschool homeschool curriculum