DCDE Programmes
Together for Better, the funding model for Early Learning and Childcare, supports delivery of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents /guardians and families. Together for Better brings together three major programmes, ECCE programme including AIM Access and Inclusion Model, The National Childcare Scheme (NCS), Core funding and Equal Start,
Equal Start is a major new model of Government-funded supports to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can access and meaningfully participate in early learning and childcare.
Equal Start will include a suite of universal supports, child-targeted supports and setting-targeted supports to ensure every child and every early learning and childcare setting will benefit from a continuum of supports that reflects a continuum of need. Children to benefit from child-targeted supports will include children living in disadvantaged areas, Traveller children, Roma children, children availing of the National Childcare Scheme through a sponsor body, children experiencing homelessness and children in the International Protection system.
ELC/SAC providers can access these programmes through the Early Years Hive.
To view the Government Programme Rules, please click below.
CCSP Saver Programme Rules 2025/2026
ECCE Programme Rules 2025/2026
National Childcare Scheme (NCS) Policy Guidelines
Equal Start Programme Rules 2025/26
Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement 2025/26