Innovation Awards 2013

The Early Childhood Ireland Annual Awards Ceremony for both our Innovations and Learning Stories will take place on 20^th April in the Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

The learning stories continue to roll in on a monthly basis.  However, the closing date for Innovation entries is 4^th March so it’s time to put  your skates on and get working on your application.

Submissions

Every submission automatically qualifies as a potential nominee to compete for winning an award.

10 services will be selected for an award and 1 of the 10 services will receive the overall award, which will include a plaque and a voucher.

The submissions should demonstrate either:

i) a new and innovative approach

OR

ii) an innovative use of existing approaches

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to enter for the Early Childhood Ireland Innovation Awards a service must…

• be a member of Early Childhood Ireland (formerly NCNA and IPPA)

• fit into one of the following categories:- notified Full Day Care and Sessional Preschool Services, After School Services, Parent and Toddler Groups and Childminding Services. ( the awards are open to both private and community groups)

• be compliant with Preschool Regulations (where applicable) and be able to demonstrate good quality practice

• be able to provide 2 referees who can be contacted to vouch for the service

Application Categories

There are 3 application categories under which a service may apply:

1. Innovation in Business
2. Innovation in Operation & Design
3. Innovation in In-Service Practice

Some suggested innovation themes within each application category are as follows:

Examples

Below we have provided you with some examples of possible topics on which an application could be submitted for an Early Childhood Ireland Innovation Award:

1. The recent expansion of a service based on sound business planning.

2. The process of adding new wrap-around elements to an existing childcare service, based on sound business planning.

3. Evidence of good practice in staff recruitment and retention; building on training and good team development.

4. Demonstration of inclusive practice, with evidence of the inclusion and the recognition of the rights of children and families with special needs, as well as the associated challenges.

5. Demonstration of support for parents and demonstration of how an involvement with parents enhances outcomes for children in the service.

6. Demonstration of contributions made towards building better local communities.

7. Demonstration of a commitment to aesthetics and creativity in a childcare service.

8. Demonstration of reflective practice, to ensure good outcomes for children.

9. Creativity in the documentation of children’s work in a service.

10. Demonstration of the ways in which the service has embraced the Síolta and Aistear frameworks.

Closing Date for Applications

Please note that the closing date for applications for the 2013 Innovation Awards is 4th March 2013.

Preparing an Application for Submission

In order to submit an application for the Early Childhood Ireland Innovation Awards you will need to download and complete the application form.

Please also have a look at the application guidelines as these will assist you in completing the application form.

Please send completed applications to Aisling Hearne:
By Email: (Enable Javascript to see the email address)
OR
By Post:
Early Childhood Ireland
Hainault House
Belgard Square
Tallaght Dublin 24