Curriculum

Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework

 Aistear provides information and practiical ideas to help practitioners plan and build a curriculum that supports children to develop positive dispositions, skills, attitudes and values as well as knowledge and understanding. Aistear includes principles, themes and guidelines for good practice within a service.

Themes                             Good Practice

Well-being                         –     Building partnerships between parents and practitioners

Identity and belonging    –    Learning and developing through interactions

Communicating                 –   Learning and developing through play

Exploring and Thinking   –   Supporting learning and development through assessment

Broad Outcomes

Well-being                          –   Children are confident, happy and healthy.

Identity and Belonging    –   Children have a positive sense of who they are, develop a sense of their culture and heritage and feel valued and respected as part of a family and community.

Communicating                 –   Children share their experiences, thoughts, ideas and feelings with growing confidence and competence in a variety of ways and for different purposes.

Exploring and Thinking   –   Children make sense of the things, places and people in their world.

Role of Staff

To be positive role models who offer guidance, support and encouragement in a calm and gentle approach. Also, to plan collaboratively with children a responsive curriculum that reflects their needs and interests. Use a range of learning methods in an organised environment that reflect the child’s needs and interests. Celebrate diversity, be non-judgemental while working in close partnership with parents.