The procedure for opening a new Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centre (0-3 years) involves two separate processes. The first process consists of an application with the Planning Authority (PA) while the second process consists of the Registration Process with the DQSE.
During the application process, the PA consults with the DQSE among other entities. Applicants may consult with the DQSE prior to submitting plans to the PA to ensure that the proposed plans are acceptable according to the National Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care Services (0-3years) (2021), the Registration Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Services (0-3 years) (2021) and the Interpretation of the Registration Criteria Document. Once the PA permit is issued the centre is to complete all the works according to the permit. The PA permit on its own does not grant permission to operate as an ECEC service provider. This would be a first requirement and separate process from the registration process.
When all works are completed, the LRP may proceed to the registration process. The Application Form for Registration of a New Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centre (0-3 years) can be filled in online and submitted together with the required Supporting Documentation. Once all documents are evaluated by the DQSE and are found to be according to requirements, a site visit is conducted. The aim of the pre-registration visit is to ensure that the premises of the centre adhere to all the requirements as set out in the PA permit, the National Standards and the reports submitted with the application form. On completion of the visit, officers inform the LRP whether all conditions have been satisfactorily addressed or whether any further action is required. If all conditions have been addressed satisfactorily, a recommendation is made to issue the registration certificate which is then sent to the LRP within one week from the date of visit or when proof that all conditions have been addressed satisfactorily is received.
A review visit is held before the expiry of the temporary registration during which officers conduct a full assessment of the centre leading to confirmation or non-confirmation of provisional registration.
Click here to access the list of Child Day Care Facilities that have been registered as at April 2024.
Click here to access the list of Child Day Care Facilities that have been licensed as at November 2024.
Childcare Centres who are fully licensed as childcare centres offering day care ECEC services may apply to obtain a licence to operate as Night ECEC centres. Night ECEC service provision means the service which operates overnight between the hours of 10pm and 5am. The Application Form for Licensing of an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centre (0-3 years) offering Night ECEC services can be filled in online and submitted together with the required Supporting Documentation. Once all documents are evaluated by the DQSE and are found to be according to requirements, a site visit is conducted.
Applicants are to ensure that the proposed architectural drawings are acceptable according to the National Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care Services (0-3 years) (2021), the Registration Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Services (0-3 years) (2021) and the Interpretation of the Registration Criteria Document.
Withdrawal of a Childcare Centre Licence form.
