Antigen tests are being rolled out in early years settings from today.
They will be available to staff and children aged 4 and over who are in a pod where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19.
If a child tests positive, the childcare provider will let other parents know so they can request free antigen tests if they wish.
CEO of Early Childhood Ireland Teresa Heeney says it's welcome news.
"Childcare services have been using antigen testing for months now, they've been using it for cleaners and their staff and school age children have been getting tested now for the past few weeks.
"This is an important measure by government that will certainly be welcomed by the early years and the school aged childcare sector."
