Shanakiel Childcare

Shanakiel Childcare opened its doors in September 2014 and operates from a purpose‑built 7,500 sq ft centre designed to high standards. The facility boasts modern equipment, spacious play areas and a well‑qualified team of Early Years Educators. It provides a safe, welcoming environment for children from 12 months up to six years, with dedicated rooms for each age group and a separate after‑school provision. The centre offers a full‑day care service from 7.30 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, all year round, including meals and sleeping facilities. A government‑funded ECCE preschool programme runs from 9 am to 12 pm for children aged 2 years 8 months to 5 years, following the Aistear and Síolta curricula. The site includes specialised spaces such as two Wobbler rooms for infants, a Toddler room, two Playschool rooms, three Montessori‑styled ECCE rooms, and an adjacent after‑school centre (MFRC²) that can accommodate up to 84 children. Shanakiel also supports families through the Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) scheme and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), offering up to two free academic years of preschool and financial subsidies for childcare costs.