Pre-schools across the country will not reopen until January 11, the Government has confirmed.
The decision, which affects some 100,000 children, comes following the reintroduction of Level Five restrictions this week.
As a result of spiralling case figures, the government has decided to delay the resumption of the pre-school programme.
A similar decision to extend the Christmas break for schools across the country to the same date was announced earlier this week.
However, creches and other childcare centres will be permitted to open as normal.
Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman made the announcement this evening following a consultation with the early learning and childcare sector.
The Minister said that representatives shared their concerns about the full resumption of early learning and childcare from early January.
A statement read: "By postponing the return of these children to the pre-school programme, social mixing will be reduced, which will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the post-Christmas period.
"The pre-school programme will now resume on 11 January, in line with the reopening of schools.
"The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will provide funding to providers for the pre-school programme for the week of 4 to 8 January.
"Under the full Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, early learning and childcare services, including childminders that provide services other than, or in addition to, the pre-school programme, can continue to operate.
"These services provide an essential service which supports parents to go to work.
"The Minister is asking these services, which are private businesses, to reopen as planned from 4 January to provide childcare, particularly to priority groups."
