“Siolta: Working together to sow the seeds”
(PDF - 987 Kb)
An evaluation of 5 Limerick Northside Preschools experience in implementing Siolta – The National Quality Framework.
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This document has been developed by the Childcare Committees of North Tipperary, Clare, Limerick City and It is intended that the information contained in this pack will assist you to develop a set of policies and procedures for your childcare service. |
Quality Framework for the Childcare Section
School Age Childcare is an emerging sector in Ireland. Preschool services are regulated through the preschool services regulations 1996. No such regulations exist to support those working in the school age childcare sector. For the most part these services are self regulated and standards are evolving as the demand for this type of childcare service increases.
The provision of a quality childcare service does not happen by chance. Quality emerges and develops only when all the stakeholders work together, where there is an agreed approach and where each partner is aware of and committed to the standards and practice of the profession. It is important that effective communication strategies are established and maintained so that the stakeholders are aware of clear and identified expectations, know what to expect and in turn are aware of the expectations of themselves/
The development of a Code of Practice provides a framework to :
Copies of the School Age Childcare Code of Practice is available - contact us
Resource Pack & DVD for School Age Childcare
The first of a suite of planned resources to support the delivery and development of quality school age childcare has been produced by the Limerick City Childcare Committee to support childcare providers who work with children aged from 5 to 12 years.
"School's Out" (how to plan, implement and evaluate quality school age programmes) a training manual and DVD/Video was launched on Monday 25th April at Limerick City Council Offices by the Minister for Defence, Mr Willie O'Dea, T.D. in the presence of the Deputy Mayor of Limerick, Cllr. Kieran O'Hanlon. The resource pack is designed for school age programme managers, team leaders, trainers, otehr programme staff as well as volunteers who wish to enhance the quality of children's school age childcare programmes. It offers ideas, examples of activities and templates, of benefit to childcare providers, to staff working in a school age setting and to students interested in working in the area.
Cost: €25 for DVD or Video and Training Manual. Price includes postage and packaging.
For further information on this innovative project, the first of it's kind in Ireland please contact us
Guide to Policies & Procedures for Childcare Setting
This comprehensive guide to developing Policies and Procedures for a school age childcare setting provide a framework to:
Guide thinking and Practice,
Develop Quality Standards
Identify Roles and Responsibilities
Guide and Inform professional practice and ongoing development
Redress and ambiguity with reagrd to the structure, management and ongoing development of the childcare service.
To receive this publication, please contact us
‘Voice and Choice’, is designed to support and inform personnel who work with children in the school age childcare sector. It is the result of a three year partnership between Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Limerick City Childcare Committee. This resource was funded through the ‘Partnership for Quality Childcare Initiative’, within the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme within the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Increasingly, and for a variety of reasons school age children attend services after school and during holiday time. This well researched and informative resource offers school age childcare personnel a treasure trove of information and activities, all designed to support them to build children’s competence, skills and confidence. The first section explores issues of child development, programme planning, inclusion, working collaboratively, managing behaviour and support for homework, all of which are pertinent to providing a successful, happy environment. The second section offers a host of very exciting activities all designed to build children’s skills and abilities. There are great ideas for incorporating movement and dance, drama, arts, cookery, and self esteem building activities into your programme. This resource also has a host of additional activities, perfect for the rainy day! There is a section on citizenship and on inclusion, both of which promote the child’s capacity to live and act responsibly and reflectively in our society.
Already there is great excitement in the sector, and there is no doubt that this resource will prove a great success with students of childcare as well as practitioners.
‘Voice & Choice’ School Age Framework is available for €25 (including postage & packaging) which can be paid by cash, cheque, postal order or bank draft.
To purchase a copy of this exciting educational publication please contact us or alternatively you may contact:
Curriculum Development Unit
Mary Immaculate College
South Circular Road
Limerick
Phone: 061-204366
Produced by the Curriculum Development Unit of Mary Immaculate College and Limerick City Childcare Committee, the ‘What Difference?’ DVD and book are an invaluable resource for those who work with young children who have special needs in early years settings.
In recent years we have seen the emergence of a positive emphasis on inclusive care and education in Ireland. The ‘What Difference?’ DVD and resource book provide guidelines on how best to support the care and education of young children in the current context of inclusion. They highlight the abilities and strengths of all young children including those who have special needs. Minister for Children, Brendan Smith T.D. said ‘ I am confident that the ‘What Difference?’ resource book and DVD will offer invaluable support to educarers in their quest to understand and respond appropriately to the differentiated needs of individual children’ .
The ‘What Difference?’ resource book and DVD provide guidelines on how best to arrange and organise the physical environment to maximise children’s participation. Every moment matters in the child’s day. From the moment the child arrives, there are endless possibilities to maximise his or her learning within the early years setting. The ‘What Difference?’ resource highlights the way in which normal everyday activities such as ‘Meet and Greet’, ‘Snacktime’, ‘Circletime’, ‘Playtime’, ‘Storytime’, and ‘Going Home time’ can be used to enable the child to reach their full potential.
The Director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) Heino Schonfeld launching the ‘What Difference Resource Book and DVD said “I am delighted to be associated with such a thoroughly researched and beautifully produced collection of very practical tools and recommend them to all those who work with young children in Ireland”.
‘What Difference?’ resource book and DVD is available for €25 (including postage & packaging) which can be paid by cash, cheque, postal order or bank draft.
To purchase a copy of this exciting educational publication please contact us
Career Opportunities within the Childcare Sector
A Guide to Childcare Career Paths is now available from Limerick City Childcare Committee and North Tipperary Childcare Committee. This guide summarises POTENTIAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES within the childcare profession, outlining th different branches of the profession from working at a practical level to the support and development of the sector.
To receive this publication please Contact us Or Aileen Healy in North Tipperary Childcare Committee at 067-44886
Trocaire Conference Report (PDF - 3,794 Kb)
Today’s Children
Tomorrow’s World Conference
Organised by
Trócaire, Limerick City Childcare Committee and
Limerick County Childcare Committee
Radisson Hotel, Limerick. March 25th 2006
Opening Doors Conference
Exploring Values, Attitudes and
Culture in the Early Years’ Sector
Organised by
Trócaire, Fingal County Childcare Committee and
South Dublin County Childcare Committee
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin. November 26th 2005
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