Education chiefs are looking for a rapid expansion in private nursery places, in the wake of news government-funded pre schools are to close from September.
It's a money-saving measure which they say avoids further loss of teaching staff and larger classes in primary and secondary schools.
But it isn't proving popular - hundreds of parents have joined a Facebook group opposed to the plan.
There are also more than 3,000 signatures to a petition.
Higher education funding for university undergraduate fees has been spared.
Stuart Dobson is chief executive at the Department for Education and Children.
He says there's a major opportunity now for private sector nurseries to expand:
Andrew Shipley, Association of the Teachers and Lecturers IoM branch secretary, says the news is a real blow to all involved in education and fly in the face of the high regard supposedly put on it in the Isle of Man.
A protest is planned outside Tynwald at 1pm on Tuesday (Feb 21).
Seven acts promulgated in final Tynwald Day ceremony before election
Sharp rise in data breaches on Island, says Information Commissioner's Office
Footage circulating on social media 'now an active investigation'
Annual Tynwald Day celebrations to get underway
