Most parents are aware of the National Childcare Sponsorship Scheme (NCS), which helps them meet childcare costs. There are two types of childcare subsidy for children: a universal subsidy that is not means-tested and an income-assessed subsidy that is means-tested.
I recently became aware of the National Childcare Sponsorship Scheme, which allows children with high needs to receive free childcare without any means testing.
Parents who are accepted on the scheme can avail of up to 45 hours of childcare. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs pays the childcare service directly. Parents don’t need to pay any cost to the childcare provider.
To start the process, you will need to contact your Public Health Nurse, who must apply for the scheme on your behalf.
To read more information, click on https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/faqs/. Look at the drop-down menu and under “What is a Sponsor Referral?” You can also contact NCS parent Support line on 01 906 8530.
