Free preschool places still available

CHILDCARE providers are making a last minute appeal to parents whose children are due to start school in September to apply for their free preschool place as the new scheme is due to kick off next week.

It’s believed that more than 90% of playschools and creches have signed up to the scheme, which was announced in Budget 2009. However, according to the NCNA, there are still many places still unfilled.

To avail of the scheme starting next week, children must have been born between February 2, 2005, and June 30, 2006. To avail of the year in September, children must have been born between February 2, 2006 and June 30, 2007.