Early Years: Supporting You and Your Child from the Start
Helping parents nurture confident, happy, and successful early learners.
Welcome to NPC Early Years
The early years of your child's life lay the foundation for their future learning, development, and well-being. At the National Parents Council (NPC), we understand that supporting your child's early education journey can sometimes feel overwhelming—so we're here to help you every step of the way.
NPC Early Years provides tailored advice, useful resources, and practical guidance to empower parents of pre-school children (0–6 years), helping you navigate these exciting early stages with confidence.
Upcomming Training
ECCE Scheme
Understanding your child’s free preschool entitlement.
We can explain how the ECCE programme works, when to apply, and what your child is entitled to.
Overage Exemptions
Need an extra year before starting school?
Our team can help you understand the criteria and process for applying for an overage exemption.
AIM (Access & Inclusion Model)
Support for children with additional needs.
We provide guidance on how AIM can help your child access preschool alongside their peer
Transitions
Moving from early years to primary school.
We offer support on how to help your child settle confidently into a new environment.
Early Years Policies
Understanding how early years services work.
From daily routines to complaints procedures, we can help clarify what you should expect
Any Early Years Concern
Big or small, we’re here to help.
Whatever’s on your mind, our helpline team is ready to listen and support you.
NPC Early Years Helpline
Have questions or need support? The NPC Helpline provides confidential, expert advice to parents of young children on a wide range of topics, including:
📞 Contact the NPC Helpline
Have a question about your child’s early education? We’re here to help.
📍 Free & Confidential Service
📆 Open Monday to Friday
🕙 10am – 4pm
📞 Call us: 01 887 4477
📧 Email: helpline@npc.ie
💬 Live chat: www.npc.ie
Early Years Mental Health
Early Years Transitions
Partner with NPC to Support Parents in Your Early Years Service!
🎓 Early Years Workshops and Training
Each year, NPC supports thousands of parents across Ireland, providing crucial guidance, advice, and training. Our advocacy has shaped national education policies, improved parent-school relationships, and promoted better educational outcomes for children nationwide.
Upcomming Training
Choosing the Right Early Years Setting
Selecting a pre-school or childcare provider is an important decision for every parent. NPC Early Years helps you make informed choices with clear guidance and advice on:
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What to look for in a quality pre-school or childcare provider.
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Understanding the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.
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What questions to ask during your visits.
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Practical tips for settling your child into their new environment.
Support for choosing the right early years Place
Choosing a pre school is an important step for you and your child. This guide supports parents to think through what matters when looking for the right setting, including location, opening hours, availability, your child’s learning and development, and what to look for when visiting a pre school.
It also explains why quality early learning and care matters, and encourages parents to consider how welcomed, included and supported their child will feel in the setting.
Suggested bullet points:
• When to start looking for a pre school place
• Location, opening hours and family needs
• What to ask when visiting a pre school
• Understanding Síolta and Aistear
• Choosing a setting where your child feels welcomed and included
Supporting Your Child’s Transition from Pre School to Primary School
Starting primary school is a big step for children and parents. This guide shares practical hints and tips to help parents support their child before and during the move from pre school to primary school.
It covers everyday areas that can make the transition easier, including social development, language and literacy, independence, uniform, school routines and helping children feel safe, secure and ready for this new stage.
Suggested bullet points:
• Talking with your child about starting school
• Supporting friendships, communication and play
• Building independence with coats, lunch boxes and routines
• Preparing for uniforms, labels and school bags
• Helping your child settle into the new school day
Understanding Your Child’s Early Learning
Every young child learns best through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions. Our resources help you understand:
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How your child develops and learns from 0–6 years.
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Activities you can do at home to support early literacy, numeracy, language, and social skills.
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Signs of developmental milestones and when to seek advice if you're concerned.
Supporting Your Child’s Positive Mental Health
Children’s mental health and wellbeing are shaped by everyday experiences at home, in pre school and in the community. This guide supports parents to understand the simple, practical ways they can help their child feel loved, secure, confident and able to cope with challenges.
It covers areas such as basic needs, routines, love, self esteem, emotions, empathy, relationships and resilience, with a strong focus on the important role parents play in supporting positive mental health from the early years.
Suggested bullet points:
• Understanding what positive mental health means for young children
• Supporting basic needs such as food, rest, activity and routine
• Building confidence, self esteem and resilience
• Helping children understand and manage emotions
• Strengthening your relationship with your child
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Getting Involved in Your Child’s Early Education
Selecting a pre-school or childcare provider is an important decision for every parent. NPC Early Years helps you make informed choices with clear guidance and advice on:
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What to look for in a quality pre-school or childcare provider.
-
Understanding the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.
-
What questions to ask during your visits.
-
Practical tips for settling your child into their new environment.
What is ECCE and how can I apply for it?
ECCE is the government-funded Early Childhood Care and Education scheme offering free pre-school places for children aged between 2 years 8 months and 5 years 6 months.
What should I do if I'm concerned about my child's progress or development?
Talk to your childcare provider first, and don’t hesitate to contact our helpline if you need further guidance.
How do I know if my child’s childcare provider is registered and quality assured?
You can verify this information through
Early Years FAQs
Quick answers to the most common questions parents ask us:
Fiona, Parent, Galway
“NPC gave me the confidence to choose the right pre-school for my son. The resources were clear, reassuring, and easy to understand.”
Clodagh, Parent, Wexford
“NPC’s Early Years Helpline was a lifeline when I needed clear guidance on ECCE entitlements. Their friendly support made all the difference.”
James, Parent, Dublin
“Attending the Early Years workshops was incredibly helpful—we’ve seen a real difference in how our daughter communicates and expresses herself.”
Niall, Parent, Kilkenny
“The NPC workshops on play-based learning gave us amazing ideas to help our child learn at home. Highly recommend them to all parents!”
What Parents Say
Join Our Community
Becoming part of the NPC community means joining thousands of parents who, like you, care deeply about their children’s early years and beyond. As a member, you’ll have immediate access to expert advice, tailored support, and invaluable opportunities to connect with other parents facing similar experiences.
You’ll receive invitations to exclusive workshops and training sessions, ensuring you always have the latest insights and practical tools to help your child thrive. Your voice will also help shape important conversations about early education in Ireland—making a real difference in the lives of countless families.
Together, we can nurture confident, capable, and happy young learners. Join today and be part of a supportive, empowering community where every parent’s voice matters.
