With the free pre-school year, the ECCE scheme, introduced for parents in Ireland there are more kids in pre-school than ever. Places may be limited in certain areas and you also need to be sure the pre-school you have chosen is registered for the scheme.

For children in full day childcare, pre-school is often only a small part of their day but for families availing of the free care it can be their first experience of being away from home.

The free pre-school year

The ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) scheme allows for a free pre-school year for children aged between 3 years and 2 months to 4 years and 7 months on the 1st September the year they start.

There are some exemptions to the age limits and a possibility to extend the scheme. You can apply for an exemption if your local school has a higher age requirement or if your child has special needs.

For seasonal or half day services the scheme covers 3 hours a day, 5 days a week for 38 weeks. You will have to supplement any attendance beyond that.

For fulltime childcare services the scheme covers 2 hours and 15 minutes, 5 days a week for 50 weeks. Again, you will be covering the cost for the rest of the day.

Your local childcare committee will be able to provide you with a list of the pre-schools in your area which are registered for the scheme.

Making the choice

It is a good idea to visit the pre-school you are considering for your child. See if they meet your expectations and requirements in terms of their educational programme and philosophy. Pre-schools, as any other childcare service, vary from school to school.

A visit will give you an idea of the atmosphere in the school, how teachers and children interact. Take the chance to ask about the staff; what happens when someone is sick, staff changes, what is an average week like, their policy on food and sugary treats, how often children outdoors are, and anything else that may be relevant for your piece of mind.

Make sure you know how the pre-school operates, their rules about lunch, start and finishing times. A subject that may not arise but that is important, even with small children, is the pre-schools procedure of dealing with challenging behaviour.

Prepare in advance

Once you have visited the pre-schools in your area and made your choice, book a longer visit for your child a few weeks before school starts. It will be easier to eventually drop him off, if he is somewhat familiar to the school.

By the time your child starts pre-school it is advisable that he knows how to eat independently, but also how to dress and go to the toilet by himself. As the groups can be big, teachers will not always have the time to give your child the individual attention he may be used to at home.

While it is an important step for your child, let your instinct lead you. If you make too much of it, your child may feel worried. Always talk about the start in positive terms.

Dropping off

Leaving your child at pre-school is somewhat similar to pulling off a plaster, by doing it fast the pain is intense but short lived. If your child cries when you leave, remember that most children often stop the minute you are out of sight and if he is very upset the staff will contact you and ask you to return.

Be friendly with the staff when you drop your child off, say goodbye and hand over the child to the teacher. Don't sneak away, make sure you child knows you are leaving. You may avoid seeing your child in tears if you sneak away, but it may cause him to feel insecure as he may not feel sure if or when you will be back.

By hovering and drawing out the goodbye, your own tension and anxiety will spill over onto your child, making it difficult for him to settle in and leaving you feeling guilty and worried.

If possible see to it that you have plenty of flexibility the first week your child starts pre-school. He may fly through the first week, but may also need extra support or your presence there for him to feel at ease and safe.

Practical tips

• Mark all your child's clothes and gear, it makes it easier for the teachers to keep track on who owns what.

• Check with the pre-school what kind of snacks they recommend.

• Get to know the names of the other children in the group; it will be easier to get your child to tell you about his day.

• Let your child wear comfortable clothes that can take plenty of dirt.

• If children go out a lot and if the school has the space, keep a pair of wellies in the school.