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Síolta The National
Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education
in IrelandShanghai, April 29th, 2007
Maresa DuignanHeino 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 1990
4.3% 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 1991 - 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, 12-36 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
Thinking about Interactions
National Quality Framework
Principles
Standard Standard Standard
ComponentComponentComponent ComponentComponent
Signposts for Reflection
Signposts for Reflection
Signposts for Reflection
Signposts for Reflection
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
standard
standard
standard
components
components
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 (www.siolta.ie)
Next Steps
Voluntary Quality Assurance Scheme Pilot Scheme 2007-2008 Test reliability and validity of indicators across settings Refine and revise
Contact Details
CECDE Gate Lodge
St Patrick’s College Drumcondra
Dublin 9
Tel: 01 8842110Fax: 01 8842111
E-Mail: [email protected]: www.cecde.ie
www.siolta.ie
Go raibh míle maith agaibh
www.cecde.ie
www.siolta.ie
