Local Quality Training
Waterford City Childcare Committee provides a range of local quality training and once off workshops for practitioners in the Childcare sector. All the local quality training delivered is linked to the National Quality Frameworks of both Siolta and Aistear and to the requirements for pre-school inspections under Regulation 5 of the Pre-school Regulations. All local quality training is organised and subsidised by the WCityCC and is promoted in its bi-monthly bulletin which is distributed to the childcare services.
For accredited training interested practitioners are referred to the statutory training providers, VEC- College of Further Education, VEC- BTEI, WIT and FAS.
Quality Frameworks
There are currently two frameworks which guide providers in their practice helping them to ensure a quality experience for the early years child. Síolta- addresses all aspect of quality practice and Aistear which supports providers to plan and provide enriching learning opportunities for children in early years settings.
Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education
Síolta is a quality assurance process which addresses all aspects of practice in early childhood care and education services. It is designed to support practitioners to develop high quality services for children aged birth to six years and is relevant to all settings where children spend time out of their home environment. Detailed information on Síolta can be found at www.siolta.ie.
Aistear, the Framework for Early Learning
Aistear, the Framework for Early Learning supports practitioners in planning for and providing enriching, challenging and enjoyable learning opportunities for children from birth to six years. It can be used in different types of settings including children’s homes, childminding settings, full and part-time daycare, sessional services and infant classrooms. Developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) with practitioners, children, parents, researchers, those working in training and professional development, and in the government departments concerned with the early years, Aistear reflects key research messages on early childhood learning and takes account of early childhood in Ireland. The aim of the Framework is to help every child to grow and develop as a competent and confident learner within loving and nurturing relationships with adults and peers. Detailed information on Aistear can be found at www.ncca.ie/earlychildhoodframework
Tip sheets for parents please click here www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Early_Childhood_and_Primary_Education/Early_Childhood_Education/Aistear_Toolkit/Tips_sheets_for_parents.html
