The Child and Family Agency Tusla says it inspected more than 2,000 early years services in 2015.
The body has released its report for the year in which it received 258 complaints and embarked on two prosecutions.
The report outlines the activities of the Inspectorate which is tasked with inspecting pre-schools, play groups, nurseries, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children up to six years old.
