Siolta   

Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education was developed by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.  The Framework was published in 2006 following a three-year developmental process, which involved consultation with more than 50 diverse organisations, representing childcare workers, teachers, parents, policy makers, researchers and other interested parties.  For the first time in Ireland, Síolta provides a common set of quality standards across a diverse range of settings for children aged from birth to six years based on the most up-to-date Irish and international research evidence.
Since the publication of Síolta, many early childhood services and individual practitioners have engaged informally with the Framework. This informal engagement has been supported by the dissemination of Síolta documentation and a large number of Síolta information workshops across the country.
The implementation of Síolta, as the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, is an objective of the National Childcare Strategy and is supported by the National Childcare Investment Programme.  

 [extract from the OMCYA website]

Full details of the Síolta principles, standards and components are available on-line on www.siolta.ie

Aistear

Aistear is the curriculum framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland.  It provides information for adults to help them plan for and provide enjoyable and challenging learning experiences, so that all children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners within loving relationships with others.  Aistear describes the types of learning [dispositions, values and attitudes, skills, knowledge and understanding] that are important for children in their early years, and offers ideas and suggestions as to how this learning might be nurtured.  The Framework also provides guidelines on supporting children’s learning through partnerships with parents, interactions, play and assessment.

In supporting children’s early learning and development Aistear

• Identifies what and how children should learn, and describes the types of experiences that can support this
• Makes connections in children’s learning throughout the early childhood years and as they move form one setting to another
• Supports parents as their children’s primary educations during early childhood, and promotes effective partnerships between parents and practitioners
• Complements and extends existing curriculums and materials
• Informs practice across a range of settings, disciplines and professions and encourages interdisciplinary work.

To access the Aistear materials follow this link

http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Early_Childhood and_Primary_Education/Early_Childhood_Education/   

Back to Top