01
What qualifications do your staff have?
All of our classroom leaders have completed and passed with distinction,
their Fetac Level 5 and/or level 6 exams and/or Montessori Exams.
All classroom assistants are background checked and have been chosen for
their keen interest in both childcare and child development. Some staff
members hold degrees in other disciplines but have chosen to make their
careers in childcare.
02
03
What is the National Childcare Scheme?
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a new scheme that provides financial support to help parents to meet the costs of childcare.
The NCS will replace all existing targeted childcare support programmes and the current universal childcare subsidy by 2021. It gives financial support towards the cost of childcare for the hours spent outside of pre-school or school.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides early childhood care and education for pre-school children. It will not be affected by the NCS and will continue to operate alongside the NCS.
The National Childcare Scheme provides 2 types of childcare subsidy for children over 6 months of age - a universal subsidy for children under 3 which is not means-tested and an income assessed subsidy for children up to 15 which is means-tested.
Your child must be attending a childcare provider who is registered with Tusla (including childminders and school-age childcare services) and has a National Childcare Scheme contract with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Subsidies are paid directly to your childcare provider, however, you must apply for the subsidy yourself. Your provider then subtracts your subsidy from your childcare bill.
Online applications were available from 20 November 2019. You will be able to apply by completing a paper form from January 2020.
The first subsidy payments will be made to childcare providers from 25 November 2019.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) is responsible for NCS policy, legislation and oversight but day-to-day management of the scheme is carried out by Pobal (the scheme administrator).
For more information on Universal and Income Assessed subsidies click here.
To see the Frequently Asked Questions click here.
To download a copy of the information leaflet click here.
To find out about all other existing Childcare schemes click here.
How to Apply
To apply for the Scheme online you will need to have a verified MyGovID.
Your verified MyGovID is your single, secure account to unlock Irish Government services online.
What is ECCE?
The ECCE programme is a universal programme available to all children within the eligible age range. It provides children with their first formal experience of early learning prior to commencing primary school. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year and the programme year runs from September to June each year. There are three points of entry throughout the programme year – September, January and April. Childcare services taking part in the ECCE scheme must provide an appropriate pre-school educational programme which adheres to the principles of Síolta, the national framework for early years care and education.
04
How do I apply for ECCE?
Applications are made directly through Butterflies Creche.
Call 086 6650166 or sarah@butterfliescreche.com
05
What are the fees?
Fees for full-time care are calculated over a 52 week period and are detailed on our fees page. Holidays are taken into consideration for this calculation. For further fee information please call 086 6650166 or email sarah@butterfliescreche.com / charmaine@butterfliescreche.com
06
Can I get financial aid?
Refer to NCS - Question 2
07
Do I need to pay for days my child is absent?
Yes. All places are pre-booked and staffed accordingly in advance. You must still pay for booked sessions if your child is absent for any reason.
08
Are you closed at any time during the year?
Yes. We are closed for a week at Christmas , Bank Holidays & Holy Days.
09
Is Butterflies insured?
Yes. We have full public liability insurance coverage both on the premises and using Butterflies Creche transport. Coverage is with Early Childhood Ireland.
10
How many children can you transport in the Creche Car at any one time?
We are insured to carry up to 6 children at any one time.
11
If my child’s birthday falls on a care day, do you celebrate it?
Yes. We love Birthday parties! Please let us know in advance if your child will be celebrating their birthday in class.
12
Do You Go Outside?
Yes, as often as we can! We have a wonderful, safe playground on the premises. The HSE recommends that regular outdoor play is healthier as well as instrumental in developing large motor skills as well as social skills.