Best Preschool in Dublin
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The 5 Best Preschools in Dublin

Enrolling your child in a preschool is one of the best ways to show them early on that learning can be fun.

To that end, you can start your kids young with the best preschools in Dublin! Below we’ll walk you through the services that they offer, their facilities, and the pros and cons to each entry.

If you’re wondering about the cost, we’ll talk about that first before proceeding to our list.

How Much Do Preschools Charge in Dublin?

We’ve gathered the average cost of preschool and daycare facilities in Dublin, based on a survey conducted by the National Consumer Agency and current industry rates.

Take note that actual rates may vary per preschool.

PROGRAMMEPRICE RANGE
Full-time (babies aged 6 months minimum)€191 to €250 per week
Full-time (toddlers aged 2 to 3 years old)€181 to €220 per week
Full-time (children aged 3 to 6 years old)€200 to €250 per week
Part-time (children up to 6 years old)€120 to €150 per week
Sessional (children up to 6 years old)€70 to €100 per week

The Best Preschools in Dublin

Now, let’s move on to our list of the top preschools in Dublin you can enroll your child in.

1.   Pals Preschool

Pals Preschool's Homepage
PROGRAMMESOne-to-one table top activities, group work, etc.
WEBSITEhttp://www.palspreschool.ie/
ADDRESSUnit 18, Northwest Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
CONTACT DETAILS085 842 5660 or 01 861 0900
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Pals Preschool specialises in providing early childhood education and care to kids with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Only children above 3 years old diagnosed with ASD may be eligible to attend this preschool.

Parents can either choose the morning (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 5:00 pm) for their child. Throughout the day, you can expect your child to take part in one-to-one table top activities or group work.

Each class holds a maximum of 6 pupils only, ensuring that your child’s needs will be attended to. Group work activities include play sessions, speech development, interactive story time, snack time, among others.

Pals Preschool also has an in-house speech and language therapist who will keep track of your child’s progress throughout his/her time in preschool. She welcomes parents who wish to consult with her on-site or remotely.

You may also apply for funding through the Department of Education and Skills’ “Home Tuition” scheme, which entitles parents to tuition covering 20 hours per week. Take note that funding is only available until a suitable primary school for your child becomes available.

Pros

  • Ideal for kids diagnosed with ASD
  • Small class size
  • Site visits available
  • Government-funded preschool
  • Speech therapist available

Cons

  • Small staff size may result to longer call-back times
  • Waiting list applies

Customer Reviews

Check out what a parent has to say about their programmes:

“My son who has been diagnosed with ASD started PALS preschool in November 2019, within a few weeks we have noticed massive progress in his development. All Teachers and Carers in PALS are TOP Professionals that really care about little Einsteins and their development and well being. I cannot rate high enough PALS, 5 stars. It’s simply not enough to describe how happy and grateful I am for teaching and the loving care they have provided to my son. They have also been top notch during the pandemic and have provided full support to parents, all materials and videos that were so helpful to us during this difficult time.” —Dorota Gonzales, Google Reviews

2.   Precious Days Childcare Preschool

Precious Days Childcare Preschool's Homepage
PROGRAMMESPlay-based curriculum
WEBSITEhttps://precious-days-childcare-preschool.business.site/
ADDRESS1A Allenton Green Ballycragh, Dublin 24
CONTACT DETAILS086 042 8392
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday
9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Precious Days Childcare Preschool is a sessional preschool, meaning that they operate on a set number of hours per week. In this case, their programme is conducted from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on weekdays, spanning over 38 weeks.

Considering that classes end early, this preschool may not be for working parents who have busy schedules.

Furthermore, Precious Days follows a play-based curriculum—a combination of free play and structured activities. Their facility has indoor and outdoor play areas.

This preschool is also part of the government’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, meaning that tuition fees are free for eligible children. We’ve discussed more about this in our FAQ section below.

Unfortunately, waiting lists can be quite long, with the next slot available in September 2022. In the meantime, you can schedule a visit to check out their facility or you can put your name on the waiting list now.

Pros

  • Free tuition under ECCE
  • Has indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Site visits available

Cons

  • Long waiting list
  • Only one time slot available
  • Other fees unavailable online

Customer Reviews

Written by parents, here are reviews about this preschool:

“Amazing Staff & Facilities, my twins Maisie & Mollie loved going into school everyday, they came on leaps & bounds, the teachers have a fantastic bond with the children it was like leaving them into their second family.” —Kirsten Ní Conghaile, Facebook

“Precious Days is the most wonderful preschool. My son had the time of his life here. The staff are outstanding and give each child individual care and attention. My son ran in the door every day and will miss all his teachers and friends. His brother will be starting in September and I can’t wait for him to experience the warmth and fun of Precious Days. Would 100% recommend.” —Geraldine Connolly, Facebook

3.   Little Maples Crèche & Preschool

Little Maples Crèche & Preschool's Homepage
PROGRAMMESPlay-based curriculum
WEBSITEhttps://littlemaples.ie/
ADDRESS1 Maple Manor Johnstown Cabinteely Co., Dublin
CONTACT DETAILS01 202 4993
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday
7:30 am to 6:00 pm

As a crèche, Little Maples has different rooms to accommodate children of different age groups, from babies to 6-year-olds. This means that your kids will only have access to toys and activities appropriate for their age group.

They follow a play-based core curriculum for all age groups, which includes activities such as imaginative play, arts and crafts, reading, music, and sand and water play. Their outdoor play area is covered with synthetic grass to ensure your child’s safety.

Little Maples is also covered by the ECCE programme. Take note though that slots for ECCE Montessori classes are highly limited each year, with priority given to children who have attended the school’s pre-Montessori classes.

Full-time monthly fees are at €1050 for kids who aren’t eligible for the ECCE programme. Waiting lists are also in place, and we recommend securing your child’s slot a year before his/her admission date.

Pros

  • Can accommodate different age groups
  • Free tuition under ECCE
  • Has indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Can accommodate babies

Cons

  • Waiting list applies
  • Highly limited ECCE Montessori slots

Customer Reviews

Check out some comments by parents below:

“Since joining Little Maples in September my little girl has become more confident, interacts with peers better & has learned to stay on task. She has also enjoyed creative crafts that vary each day! I absolutely love the teachers and [the] bond she has developed with each of them!” —Tasha Parks, Google Reviews

“My daughter used to cry [every] single day (no joke) going to school. The teachers here are so patient and supportive and I’ve watched my little girl grow into a little social butterfly under their guidance. The teachers here are amazing and genuinely care for the children. Highly recommend this preschool!” —Rin Lee

4.   Hi-5 PlaySchool

Hi-5 PlaySchool's Homepage
PROGRAMMESToddlers (2-3 years old), playschool (3-5 years old), extra classes, after school programme
WEBSITEhttp://hi5playschool.ie/
ADDRESSHi5 PlaySchool, 22 Mano Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20
CONTACT DETAILS086 044 5550
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Hi-5 PlaySchool welcomes children aged 2 to 6 years old. Their programmes are organised by age group, which can accommodate children on a part-time or full-time basis.

Parents have the option to choose between morning or afternoon sessions that last for 3 hours per day. For busy parents who wish to pick up their child at a later time, you may be pleased to know that they also offer an after-school programme for kids aged 5 to 13 years old.

This programme may involve several activities to keep your child busy and productive such as homework supervision, snacktime, and playtime.

As you can guess by the name, their curriculum centres on playtime. Children can expect fun activities such as arts and crafts, role playing, storytelling, song and dance, and more.

Children under the playschool programme are guided to make their own scrapbook filled with paintings and photographs, which they can then take home at the end of the school year.

Pros

  • Flexible arrangements available
  • After school programme available
  • Free tuition under ECCE
  • Has indoor and outdoor play areas

Cons

  • Limited ECCE slots
  • Other rates unavailable online

Customer Reviews

Take a look at some reviews written by parents below:

“My boys loved going to Afterschool at Hi-5. The staff there are brilliant and really caring. They also provide lovely nutritious dinners. I would highly recommend Hi-5. My boys were very happy and really enjoyed their time there.” —Karen Kent, Google Reviews

“My daughter loved going to Hi-5 play school. She learnt so much and did lots of creative activities. The staff were fantastic, passionate and caring. I couldn’t have been happier with how this playschool is run. Thank you Andreia and see you again soon for after school!” —Claire Rogister, Google Reviews

5.   Grace Park Montessori

Grace Park Montessori's Homepage
PROGRAMMESSee full curriculum here
WEBSITEhttp://graceparkmontessori.com/
ADDRESS74 Grace Park Heights, Drumcondra, Dublin
CONTACT DETAILS01 836 8301 or 087 797 1580
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday
8:30 am to 3:45 pm

To conclude our list is Grace Park Montessori—one of Dublin’s few primary Montessori preschools. This means that their curriculum is based on the Montessori method of education, which tackles areas such as mathematics, arts and crafts, baking, life skills, and more.

Their facility has a newly renovated outdoor area where children can engage in free play, physical activities, and gardening, to name a few. Parents can choose to enroll their child in the morning or afternoon session.

Furthermore, they’re accredited to offer the ECCE scheme for eligible children, which you’d have to apply for early seeing that slots get filled in easily.

Parents and kids are also encouraged to visit the preschool prior to the start of classes. A visit will allow the child to adjust and grow familiar with his/her surroundings, considering that classes run from September to June each year.

Pros

  • Free tuition under ECCE
  • Has indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Site visits available
  • Follows Montessori curriculum

Cons

  • Limited ECCE slots
  • Other rates unavailable online

Customer Reviews

Here’s a glimpse of what parents have to say about this school:

“Jo and Kate are one of the best teachers your child can possibly get. They are loving, caring and garner a lot of respect from all the parents who have been sending their children there for a number of years.  They have tons of creative activities and you’d love to see the product of creativity every week.” —Harshit Jain, Google Reviews

“My 3 children are attending Grace Park Heights Montessori and I could not be happier with the care and attention they each get. The school is such a unique and special place where creativity, independence of thought, and the freedom to learn and grow thrives. Jo and Kate show such kindness and respect to all of the children that in turn the children show it to each other.” —Leah Kelly, Website Testimonials

FAQs about Preschools in Dublin


And that ends our list of the best preschools in Dublin! We hope that we were able to help you plan your child’s education in advance.

Feel free to give us suggestions if you think your neighbourhood preschool deserves to be on our list, too!

Once your child is ready for primary school, you can also check out our list of the best private schools in Dublin.