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Childcare
Children enjoy a special place in Irish life and Cork is a safe and supportive environment in which to raise them.
There are excellent childcare facilities in the city for the under-fives including Pre-schools, Montessori schools, nurseries, crèches and playgroups as well as individual accredited childminders.
In 2001, as part of the National Childcare Strategy, the Cork City Childcare Company was set up to increase the number of childcare facilities in the city and ensure that they adhered to the expected high standard. Since then, some €10 million has been given in grants to childcare groups across the region to cover the cost of refurbishing, re-equipping and increasing staff numbers.
The demand for childcare has increased hugely over the past decade as increasing prosperity in the Cork region has attracted parents back into the workplace. There’s also a wealth of childcare expertise available locally, ensuring the provision of highly qualified staff. Cork Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree programme in Early Childcare and Education and University College Cork offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Early Childhood Studies, including modules on Early Years Education, Child Care, and Paediatrics and Health.
Because childcare is not provided by the State, most crèches and nurseries are privately run and fees are charged. You should enrol your child in your chosen crèche or playgroup as soon as you can because demand is high and you may have to wait for a place. Some communities provide subsidised childcare facilities for people living in the area. A list of childcare facilities is available from the Southern Health Board.
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Childcare in Cork CountyChildcare in Cork City
