Síolta The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education in Ireland Shanghai, April 29 th, 2007 Maresa Duignan Heino Schonfeld

Overview of Presentation Early Childhood Education in Ireland The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education Síolta, The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education What the future holds…

Country Profile Republic of Ireland: Population: 4.23 million (April 2006) Land Area: 68,890 sq km Number of children birth to six: 384,712 (9.5% of population) Unemployment: 13.2% in % in 2006 Female labour force participation rate: 1985: 30% 2004: 49.1%

Tradition of ‘laissez faire’ approach by Government Limited state provided services Broad diversity in range and nature of provision and practice Care and Education divide Recent introduction of regulation (1997) Rapid development of policy and state intervention Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Ireland

Development of ECCE Economic, social and cultural changes Female participation in labour force ‘Celtic Tiger’ economy Family support Accumulation of policy documents present Enhanced focus on quality of services National and international research Increasing need for ECCE services Equality and social inclusion Momentum of ECCE sector professionalisation of workforce

Role of the CECDE Established in 2002: To devise a national quality framework for early childhood education To develop targeted interventions on a pilot basis for children who are educationally disadvantaged and children with special needs To advise the Minister for Education and Science on policy issues relating to ECCE

What is Síolta? Irish word meaning ‘seed’ Quality Assurance Scheme Children from birth – 6 years Mediated for ages/ settings 0-18months, months, 2.5 – 6 years Full- Time daycare, Sessional, Childminding, Infant classes in Primary schools Improve quality of services

Characteristics of Síolta Openness and transparency Interconnected/interrelated Builds upon existing practice/expertise Process focus Equality Universal approach Inclusive Flexibility Challenge

Methodology Evidence informed Build on existing provision Partnership and consultation Openness and transparency Child at the centre

Four Pillars of Research Síolta

Content Validity/ Consultation Analysis of research evidence Thematic analysis Keyword analysis Review of documentation Consultative Committee Reflect high level of endorsement 80 – 100% on all elements Consultation with Parents

Principles Vision for quality in practice in ECCE Established through consensus with sector 12 Principle Statements plus Explanatory Notes Widely applicable Interrelated and interdependent

Standards Translates vision into practice 16 Standards Interrelated and interdependent Common set of Standards for specified settings Sessional services Infant classes Full daycare Childminding

Components and Signposts Guidelines for practice Further breakdown of Standards Accompanied by Signposts for Reflection/Think Abouts Developmental tool for practitioners Mediated for settings and age-groups Birth–18 months 12–36 months 2.5–6 years

standard components standard Defining Quality standard

Format of Síolta Poster – with Principles and accompanying leaflet 4 wirobound manuals – one for each setting Handbook – containing Introduction, Context and Characteristics, Bibliography, Glossary, Methodology, Supporting Paper, Assessment Paper CD ROM – including the 4 pillars Hosted on website (

Next Steps Voluntary Quality Assurance Scheme Pilot Scheme Test reliability and validity of indicators across settings Refine and revise

Contact Details CECDE Gate Lodge St Patrick’s College Drumcondra Dublin 9 Tel: Fax: Website:

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