Children who attend community-based playgroups benefit from better emotional, social, intellectual and physical development than those who don't, according to research published today.
The benefits are believed to be down to parent participation and a play-based curriculum that is based in local surroundings, with locally based staff.
In light of the findings, Irish Pre-school Playgroups Association (IPPA) chief executive Irene Gunning called for a free pre-school year in the Republic for three to four-year-olds.
She said childcare was "a reality and a necessity of life for many families. And there are different types for different families. We need it to be high quality, children deserve that."
Community-based playgroups are funded by parents who pay on average €6 per three-hour session. Parents set up and run the non-profit schemes, which encourage learning through playing.
The Government has recently started funding staff training for the playgroups. Ms Gunning said more resources are needed to maintain the openness and affordability of community-based playgroups.
Dr Jean White, from the Children's Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin, said that the playgroups are unique because they "encourage the participation of parents, with the opportunity for them to be on the management committee. They're also affordable and welcome children from all backgrounds and abilities".
The report was compiled by the Children's Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin and commissioned by IPPA and other parties.