Press Release: Experts in World-Renowned Approach to Early Years Education to Deliver Masterclass in Dublin’s Chocolate Factory

Masterclass made possible thanks to funds raised by Early Childhood Ireland members on National Pyjama Day

252 Dublin members contributed almost €105k towards €350,000 total

Early Childhood Ireland and Italy’s world-renowned ‘Reggio Children’ are joining forces to deliver a masterclass on the child-centred Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Years education to an audience of almost 160 Irish Early Years educators in Dublin’s Chocolate Factory Arts Centre this Saturday, May 20.

The Dublin masterclass is part of a series of events during a week-long study visit to Ireland by Reggio Children delegates made possible by funds raised on National Pyjama Day last year. Of the €350,000 raised on the day, 252 members of Early Childhood Ireland in Dublin raised almost €105,000.

Early Childhood Ireland’s Membership, Excellence, and Learning Manager Milica Atanackovic, and Reggio Children’s Claudia Giudici (with translation from Sara Porpora) will host the Dublin masterclass, during which participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the celebrated Reggio Emilia Approach. They will delve into its roots, learn about different models within this approach, and leave with inspiration for their practice in settings throughout the region.

The masterclass is the second of its kind, the first of which took place in Galway on Thursday, May 18. Both are part of a week-long visit focusing on quality in Early Years education that will also see the Reggio Children representatives meet with stakeholders and policymakers and visit an Irish setting: Carraig Briste & Killegney Early Years in Co Wexford.

Commenting, Milica Atanackovic – Membership, Excellence, and Learning Manager – at Early Childhood Ireland, said, “I have had the privilege of visiting Reggio Emilia in Italy several times, and I learn something new every time I go, but what I’ve learned most is – how can you fully understand something constantly reinventing itself. I love this approach because it is about continuous professional development.

“These masterclasses will empower our members with the tools, knowledge and experience to continue to provide quality, innovative care and have a huge, positive impact on children in Early Years settings all across Ireland.”

Teresa Heeney – Chief Executive Officer – at Early Childhood Ireland, added, “The Reggio Emilia Approach is a world-renowned philosophy to adopt a ‘village-style approach’ to engage children, parents, and the community into the learning process. It is recognised globally for providing children with high-quality learning experiences.

“This approach has the potential to be transformative for the Irish Early Years and School Age Care sector, and it proposes a very different way of delivering quality to young children in settings throughout the country.”

“The Reggio Emilia Approach is evidence of the value of constant and continuous investment in early childhood and the importance of investing in educators’ professional learning.”

For media queries, please contact:

David Fleming, Press Officer

Email: dfleming@earlychildhoodireland.ie / Tel: 086 168 1239