Childcare providers and parents will protest outside Leinster House later over funding for the sector.
Providers are warning hundreds of pre-schools could close under a proposed government model, which would cap fees at last year's inflation rate of 2.2%.
The Federation of Early Childcare Providers is calling for a subsidy of €100 per week per child under the scheme, instead of the €69 that's currently available.
President Elaine Dunne says current funding levels are unsustainable.
"These are the ECC services, and they have been given very little from the core funding.
"They have been left unsustainable, and a lot of them will be forced to close their doors this time next year if some kind of funding this coming September - you will see at least 260 if not more closing their doors next year."
