Types of Childcare in Ireland

What Tusla Regulates

Tusla's Early Years Inspectorate registers and inspects preschool services — early childhood care and education for children aged 0–6 who are not yet attending primary school. Registered services must renew their registration every three years and are subject to inspection.

You can check whether a facility is Tusla-registered and view its most recent inspection report on Find a Crèche or on the Tusla website.

Preschool Service Types (0–6 years)

Tusla defines three main categories of preschool service based on daily hours:

Sessional Service

A sessional service operates for up to 3.5 hours per day. This is the most common format for playschools, naíonraí (Irish-language preschools), and Montessori morning sessions. Most ECCE free preschool places are delivered through sessional services.

Part-Time Day Care

Part-time day care runs for up to 5 hours per day. This suits families who need more than a sessional slot but do not require full-day cover.

Full Day Care

Full day care operates for more than 5 hours per day and is the typical crèche or day nursery format for working parents. It covers all age groups from babies through to school age.

Naíonra (Irish-Language Preschool)

A naíonra is a Tusla-registered Irish-medium preschool, usually delivered as a sessional service. The leader (Stiúrthóir) speaks only Irish, using Total Early Immersion. Naíonraí are ECCE-eligible. Learn more in our naíonra guide.

School Age Childcare (SAC)

School age childcare services cater for children from school-going age (approximately 4–5 years) up to 15 years. They typically provide before-school, after-school, and holiday programmes. School age services are also subject to Tusla registration and inspection.

Childminders

A childminder cares for children in the childminder's own home. Childminders are not classified as preschool services under Tusla's regulations. During a transition period (ending September 2027), childminders caring for 3 or fewer preschool children are exempt from mandatory Tusla registration, though voluntary registration has been available since September 2024.

Read our childminder guide for more detail on registration requirements and the Childcare Services tax relief.

Programme Labels — What They Mean

Irish childcare services often use curriculum or brand names that can be confusing. Here is what they typically mean:

• Montessori — A teaching philosophy emphasising child-led learning with specific materials. Any Tusla-registered service can describe itself as Montessori; there is no licensed standard in Ireland.
• Playschool / Preschool — General terms for a sessional or part-time early years service. Not a regulated category in themselves.
• Crèche — Typically a full day care facility for babies and toddlers, though the word is used loosely.
• Naíonra — Specifically an Irish-language sessional preschool using Total Immersion methodology.
• Afterschool / Breakfast Club — School age childcare services for primary school children.

Official Resources

• Tusla — Early Years Preschool Services
• Citizens Information — Pre-School Education and Childcare

Frequently Asked Questions