April 17th – 18th April 2015
Croke Park Conference Centre
Online Booking now closed. We are very happy to welcome you if you want to come on the day!!
Friday 17th:Research and Practice Seminar and Awards celebration |
Saturday 18th:Annual Conference and AGM |
The “Research and Practice Seminar” will provide a great opportunity for researchers and educators to share their work with the early childhood community. Afternoon Programme: We are delighted to have Dr. Anne-Marie Brooks, the new Principal Officer at the DCYA open the afternoon Research Seminar. She will be followed by Dr. Colette Gray, a Developmental Psychologist at Stranmillis University College focusing on the role of research in early childhood. 13:00 Registration 13:30 Welcome 14:15 Research Seminars 15:15 Coffee Break 15:45 Research Seminars 16:45 Close __________________ Awards Celebration: The Early Childhood Ireland awards will celebrate more than 40 inspirational practitioners and practices that make a positive difference in the lives of children and families. The awards are presented in 3 categories: Learning Stories, Innovation and Síolta. They will be presented by Nóirín Hayes, visiting Professor at the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin. 19:30 Prosecco Reception 20:00 Book Pre-Launch: A Play Based Curriculum 20:00 Awards Presentation 21:00 Fork Buffet Dinner 22:00 Music & Dancing |
Children are wired for play. It’s in their DNA and from the moment they are born, children are driven to engage with others and to make sense of their world through play. But what happens when children struggle to join in the play, what strategies are required and how can we as adults support them? Attend our conference to hear from experts on how interaction and play skills can support children connect and participate fully with others. All-Day Programme: 08:00 Registration and Market Expo, where exhibitors will have a wide range of play equipment, crafts, toys, book and information displays available for you to check out and purchase. 09:00 Welcome and official opening by Minister James Reilly TD 09:30 Keynote Speaker: Maria Aarts, Director of Marte Meo International, will focus on play, interactions and ‘The Circle of Love’ 11:00 Coffee Break and Market Expo 11:30 Parallel Workshops: select from a choice of 13 great sessions listed here 12:30 Panel A: Update on Educational, Curriculum and Mentoring Developments. Presentations from Better Start, NCCA & the Early Years Inspection Unit from the Dept. of Education and Skills. 13:15 Lunch and Market Expo 13:45 AGM (Members Only) 14:15 Parallel Workshops 15:15 Panel B: Policy Update and Q&A panelists include Fiona McDonnell (Tusla), Fergal Lynch (DCYA), Margaret Rogers (Better Start), Arlene Foster (NCCA) & Department of Education and Skills Representative. 16:15 Conference Review and Close |