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 2024/25.

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

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yours faithfully,

The Equal Start Team

Download Equal Start Programme Rules 2024/2025 HERE