1. Sharing the Erasmus Experience Working with Schools and the Education Centre Network ATECI 20101

2. Regional Network Region 6 Carrick on Shannon Donegal Mayo Sligo Gort a‘Choirce Region 5 Galway Athlone Clare Laois Tuam Conamara agus Árann Region 4 Cork West Cork Limerick Tralee Tarbert Corca Dhuibhne Region 3 Kilkenny Co. Wexford Waterford Tipperary Carlow Region2 Blackrock Dublin West Kildare Region 1 Drumcondra Navan Monaghan Cavan Dundalk 3 ATECI 2010

3. Status in Law The Education Act 1998 37.—(1) “ ….“education support centre”…a place in which services are provided for schools, teachers, parents, boards and other relevant persons which support them in carrying out their functions in respect of the provision of education which is recognised for that purpose by the Minister……..” 3ATECI 2010

4. Role of Education Centres The role of an Education Centre is: To support National (system) and Local needs To provide Leadership in Education To promote Educational Research and Innovation 4ATECI 2010

5. Core Work To provide support to the education community to improve learning and teaching To develop and support the delivery of National Programme’s and Initiatives To identify, support and evaluate Local Courses and Projects To support the wider education community and our partners in education at national and international level 5ATECI 2010

6. Protocols when visiting schools On arrival check in at the school office The first point of contact is normally the Principal or a nominated teacher The teacher should be present at all times - you should not agree to being left alone with the students The teacher is responsible for the Student Evaluation forms ATECI 20106

7. Child Protection Guidelines Each school has a Child Protection Policy All disclosures or observations are communicated to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) or deputy DLP if the DLP is not available. Talk to the Principal if you are concerned about anything Be aware that physical or verbal contact must always be “professional” 7ATECI 2010

8. Association of Teacher Education Centres in Ireland (ATECI) As it is ATECI policy to co-operate with our Education Partners and the International Section, DES we welcome the opportunity to be involved in this Pilot Project. Thank you Sharing the Erasmus Experience ATECI 1

9. Contact Details For the contact details of your local Education Centre visit the ATECI website at: www.ateci.ie 9ATECI 2010