What is Aistear?

Following consultation with the early childhood sector, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has produced Aistear, a curriculum framework for children from birth to 6 years.

This national curriculum framework establishes principles and themes or goals that all early childhood services in Ireland work towards.

Who is Aistear for?

Aistear is designed to support parents, early childhood practitioners and teachers in planning for and providing enriching, challenging and enjoyable learning opportunities for children.

It can be used in different types of settings including children’s homes, childminding, day care, preschool and school settings.

The Education Journey

Aistear is the Irish word for journey. As the name implies, education is a lifelong journey that can take many different routes.

Therefore, the framework does not prescribe any one type of curriculum. Rather it establishes the shared principles and themes which must underpin whatever curriculum practitioners and teachers choose to use.