Dear Service Provider,

Equal Start is a major new model of government-funded supports to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can access and meaningfully participate in early learning and childcare. It was launched in May of this year and this September will see the rollout of the first phase 1 supports that Equal Start will provide for.

Following on from your letter identifying you as an Equal Start Tier 1 or Tier 2 service, attached is a PDF of the Equal Start Rules for this programme year 2024-2025.

To avail of Equal Start supports and initiatives, services must have a Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement in place prior to the 1 September of the programme year.

The City and County Childcare Committees will be providing information sessions on the Equal Start Rules and supports in the near future.

The Equal Start Rules will also be published on the Gov.ie and First 5 webpages in the coming days.

If you need any further supports or have any questions please email us at EqualStart@equality.gov.ie

Yours faithfully,

The Equal Start Team