Member Update June 2014

Getting ready for the New National Standards

There are new standards due to be launched this year and these are set to replace the current Explanatory Guide to Requirements for the Pre-School Regulations, so it is essential all services are up-to-date with the content.

Read More…

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The ‘Early Times’ is on it’s way!!!

In response to our members requests we will be publishing the first edition of our new hard copy membership magazine ‘Early Times’ next week.  The first bumper edition is full of interesting articles, updates and information relating to the early childhood education sector. There is also a FREE DRAW  to win a 2 night break away in Ireland!

The first copy of Early Times will be posted to all Early Childhood Ireland members next week  and we look forward to hearing your comments : earlytimes@earlychildhoodireland.ie

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One year on from Primetime’s ‘Breach of Trust’

Teresa Heeney CEO of Early Childhood Ireland says real investment is what is required to progress the quality agenda in early childhood care and education. 

Post the RTE Primetime Investigates programme ‘Breach of Trust’, broadcast one year ago, there were calls, from every political party, for essential changes and investment to improve the quality and standards in the early childhood care and education sector in Ireland.  However, the reality today is insufficient funding in the early childhood care and education sector, an ongoing delay in reforming inspections and at the same time bigger demands on the sector with no corresponding commitment to a fair level of resourcing. We can’t have top floor quality standards in childcare on a bargain basement budget. Quality costs.

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Member Queries this month

1. Do I need to get a license to show DVD’s to the children and does it cost about €3.45 per child? What can I do about it?”

2. “I have my insurance with you and we are bringing the children on an outing this week, I’m ringing to let you know.”

 3. What qualifications are required to work in the Early Childhood Care and Education sector from September?

Read the replies here…

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Aistear – Summer School for Early Year’s Practitioners

Programmes will be held in Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Mayo, Sligo and Limerick during July (see dates, venues and online booking below).

We are offering a Summer School for Early Childhood Practitioners that focuses on Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework for teaching, learning and assessment of early childhood education in Ireland. The programme is suitable for all those working in Early Years settings who would like to integrate their curriculum within the Aistear Framework.

Each Summer School programme will focus on a specific theme:

• Exploring transitions in the lives of preschool children
• Supporting young children’s well-being, social and emotional development
• Language, Literacy and Numeracy through play

4 days (Monday – Thursday) 10.00 pm – 4.00pm (Including 1 hour lunch break)

Cost: Members: €95, Non-members €125

 Book here…

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Jobs Board

Members can now advertise for staff for free on Early Childhood Ireland’s website. See our Employers page for more details.

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Save the Date : International Study Group  : The Reggio Emilia Approach to Education

Keep an eye on our website for more details.

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Pyjama Day Update

Thank you very much to those of you who registered for National Pyjama Day 2014 – we were overwhelmed by the response of early childhood providers this year. Registrations increased by 100%,so thank you for your generosity and we hope you had a wonderful National Pyjama Day! So far you have helped to raise €212,000!We are anxious to make a presentation to the Irish Hospice Foundation in early July of all the monies raised this year and we are contacting all ECCE providers who we have listed as registered for the event.

All participants who lodge monies raised before June 20^th will be entered into a prize draw which will include a €100 book token and copies of the Irish Hospice Foundation’s, “The Thank You Book” and “The Gathering Reflections on Ireland”.If you have already returned your monies and have not received your certificate, this may be due to the fact that there are some lodgements  in the PJ day account which we are having difficulties identifying the source.

 To ensure that you receive your certificate please email: fohara@earlychildhoodireland.ie  with the particulars of your lodgement, most importantly the date of lodgement and the amount. Your certificate will then be forwarded to you.

Thank you for supporting Early Childhood Ireland National Pyjama Day 2014, we look forward to your continued support for this national fundraising event which highlights the excellent work of the early childhood care and education sector.

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Evaluation of National Early Years Access Initiative

The  Evaluation of National Early Years Access Initiative & Síolta Quality Assurance Programme is now available.​Presentations from the NEYAI conference are now available1. Addressing the Gaps between training and Practice
2. Bringing it all Back Home
3. Early Years Language and Learning Initiative
4. Early Years Numeracy Project
5. Fingal Parenting Initiative
6. Happy Talk
7. Integration of Services and Continuum of Care
8. Quality Through Professionalisation
9. Start Right
10. The Professional Pedagogy Project
11. Tús Nua

Download the presentations above from the Pobal website