CrecheFinder DublinChildcare is one of the biggest monthly costs for many Dublin families, and creche fees can vary considerably from one service to the next. When you start comparing, it is natural to wonder why two creches a short distance apart can charge quite different amounts.
This guide explains the main factors that shape creche fees, so you can compare like with like. It does not quote figures, because fees change and depend on individual circumstances. For help with costs, the official National Childcare Scheme website at ncs.gov.ie is the place to start.
| Factor | Tends to cost more | Tends to cost less |
|---|---|---|
| Age of child | Baby and toddler places need more staff per child | Older preschool rooms can have wider ratios |
| Hours | Full days and five-day weeks | Part-time, sessional or fewer days |
| Inclusions | Meals, nappies, outings and extras included | Some items charged separately or brought from home |
| Funding | NCS subsidy and ECCE hours applied | Full fee before any subsidy |
Your child's age
Staff-to-child ratios are set by regulation and are tightest for babies. A baby room therefore needs more staff for the same number of children than a preschool room, and staffing is the largest cost for any creche. That is why fees for babies and young toddlers are often higher than fees for older children in the same service.
Hours and pattern of attendance
Full-time places cover most of the working day, five days a week, while part-time and sessional places cover fewer hours. Overall, fewer hours usually means a lower bill, but the hourly rate for part-time places can be higher, because the creche still needs to staff and run the room. Ask each creche for a written quote for your exact pattern.
What is included in the fee
Two fees that look different may simply include different things. Before you compare, find out exactly what each one covers.
- Are breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks provided?
- Are nappies, wipes and sun cream included?
- Are there charges for outings, classes or special activities?
- Is there a registration fee or deposit, and is it refundable?
- Are there late-collection charges?
Location and premises
The cost of premises varies across Dublin and is reflected in fees. Services with large gardens, purpose-built buildings or extended opening hours may have higher running costs. A creche near a city-centre workplace may price differently from one in a suburban area, even with similar facilities.
How the NCS reduces your bill
The National Childcare Scheme provides a subsidy towards the cost of childcare at Tusla-registered providers that participate in the scheme. There is a universal subsidy available regardless of income and an income-assessed subsidy that can be higher for some families. The subsidy is paid directly to the provider and deducted from your bill. The NCS website has a calculator that gives an estimate for your family.
ECCE free preschool hours
Once your child is eligible for the ECCE free preschool programme, a set number of preschool hours during term time are covered by the State. If your child attends for a full day, you pay only for the additional hours. Ask each creche how ECCE appears on its fee schedule, as presentation varies.
Comparing fairly
The most useful comparison is the estimated net cost for your pattern of care, after NCS and ECCE, alongside what is included. Weigh that against the things that matter most to you, such as location, opening hours, the feel of the rooms and the warmth of the staff. The cheapest option is not always the best value, and the most expensive is not always the best quality.
Getting free, impartial help
If you find the NCS or fee structures confusing, your local City or County Childcare Committee can help free of charge. Dublin has committees covering Dublin City, Fingal, South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and they can explain the schemes and point you to participating services in your area.
Understanding what drives creche fees takes some of the stress out of comparing. Check the official NCS calculator, ask clear questions and compare net costs side by side.