Early Years - the organisation for young children
Working for young children. Supporting the people who care for them.
Early Years works with children, families, early years settings and communities across Northern Ireland to improve experiences and outcomes for young children.
Through programmes, specialist support, funding, research, advocacy and membership, we help strengthen early learning and care, and advocate for the people who make it possible.
Our mission
To make a positive and lasting difference in children’s lives.
Our vision
A thriving and resilient society where all children flourish.
Our values
Equity · Innovation & Impact · Inclusion & Diversity · Joy · Collaboration · Nurture · Champion
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How can we help?
Whether you are a parent or carer, work in an early years setting, are already an Early Years member or want to learn more about our work, start here.
I'm a parent or carer
Find information, services and support for your child and family.
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I work with young children
Explore funding, professional support, training, services and programmes designed to strengthen practice and support your setting.
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NICSS
Childcare support that works
The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) is a Department of Education initiative that helps eligible working parents and carers with the affordability of childcare through a 15% reduction in childcare costs.
About the scheme
Find out more about the 15% subsidy on childcare costs.
Advice for parents and carers
Who is eligible for the subsidy, and how to register your child.
Advice for providers
Which settings can register to offer the subsidy, and how to take part.
NICSS portal
Apply, manage claims and update eligibility. An external platform run by Early Years.
Programmes & services
Working with children, families, settings and communities
Early Years delivers programmes and services that support young children, families and the early childhood care and education sector across Northern Ireland. Our work includes childcare support, funding programmes, Shared Education, specialist practice support, governance, payroll and disclosure services, direct provision for children and families, and international collaboration. Explore our programmes and services below.
Parents & carers
Providers & members
Find out more
Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme
Helping eligible working families by making childcare more affordable
Providers & members
Find out more
PEACEPLUS Aspire
Bringing children together through Shared Education
Parents & carers
Find out more
Sure Starts
Early learning, health and family support for families with children under four
Parents & carers
Providers & members
Find out more
Centres of Excellence
The Centre of Excellence Award, our Fermanagh centre and Sure Start
Parents & carers
Find out more
Toybox
Play-based home visits and family support for Traveller and Roma children aged birth to four
Providers & members
Find out more
Early Years Specialist Support Services
Helping settings strengthen quality and practice
Providers & members
Find out more
Governance Support
Helping settings lead and manage with confidence
Providers & members
Find out more
Salary Service
Practical payroll support for early years settings
See everything we do
Every programme and service, A-Z, filterable by who it is for.
Programme highlight
The Pathway Fund - Funding for registered providers
Applications closedThe Pathway Fund supports registered providers including registered childminders / approved home childcarers or facilitators of early years (0-4) education and learning provision in Northern Ireland.
Membership
Part of a community of early years settings
Early Years membership brings practical support, resources and a voice in the sector - and eight local branches where members meet, train and share practice.
I want to become a member
Discover how Early Years membership can support your setting and connect you with a wider early years community.
Find your local branch
Eight branches across Northern Ireland run local events, training and peer support for member settings. Find yours and get in touch.
One organisation working for young children since 1965.
For more than 60 years, Early Years has worked with and for young children, supporting the people, settings and communities that shape their earliest experiences.
Today, our work spans direct support for early years settings, major programmes and funding schemes, Shared Education, research, advocacy and professional services.
Our impact · as of 2025
13K+
children involved in Shared Education activity
12K+
children reached through Pathway Fund projects
136
children attending the Centre of Excellence in Fermanagh
News & Views
Latest from Early Years
News, ideas, programme updates and insights from across Early Years and the wider early education and care sector.
Annual report for 2024/25
Annual performance, finances and highlights for 2024/25.