The website
I am investigating belongs to the British Association for Early Childhood
Education (http://www.early-education.org.uk/
). I spent time this week following the various links on this site and
clarifying information with my global contact from Ireland. Liz sent
me several emails with links to expand my knowledge of early childhood in
Ireland. Siolta is the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education
(http://www.siolta.ie/siolta_childminding.php
). I found it quite compatible with the framework currently being revised in
the United States. She also shared a link for Aistear: The Early Childhood
Curriculum Framework toolkit (http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Early_Childhood_and_Primary_Education/Early_Childhood_Education/Aistear_Toolkit
) Within the toolkit, there are tip sheets and informational leaflets,
presentations and podcasts, multimedia resources, play resources and
activities, and the curriculum for both preschool and infants/toddlers. Liz
also sent me samples of the correspondences she has with “childminders” or
child care providers. Her position is similar to that of a child care referral
agency consultant here in the US. According to Liz, there are varying levels of
quality within the different types of care, just as there are in the states.
There are also varying levels of commitment in response to the national push
for quality and measurable outcomes standards. Childminders specifically aren’t required to take on all
the responsibility for quality as all of Ireland’s preschool children are also
enrolled in Preschool Playgroups or National School, depending on age. Interestingly, Montessori is very popular in
Ireland, especially with the wealthy, but is not recognized by the Dept. of
Education except for children with special needs.
With this
week’s topic in mind, I tried to find information related to diversity and
found nothing. It was not even listed in the drop down topics list, nor anything recognizable along these lines. Perhaps it
is the term “diversity” that is not recognized. …A good question for my new
friend Liz.
Montessori is really popular in Ireland. I felt like they were in every town! Are you enjoying your communications with Liz from Ireland? Do you have certain questions you're asking her weekly?
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a lot about Montessori.Glad that you shared this information about it.Liz sounds as if she is a great help. I ma need to connect with her to establish a connection with someone else since I have not received a response yet? Would you be willing to help?
ReplyDeleteTammra,
ReplyDeleteI remember interviewing a parent from Ireland regarding childbirth. If I remember correctly she stated that the care for new moms and babies in Dublin is very different from that of the US. The level of care and support is greater. I would be curious if that philosophy applies to other areas of child development.
Hi Tammra, I find it interesting to hear the Montessori is recognized by the Department of Ed. in Ireland for children with special needs. Montessori began her work with children diagnosed, at the time (early 1900's), with special needs. This included children from families facing the effects of severe poverty. In regard to diversity.... I am wondering if some of our explorations into other countries will reveal understandings about diversity that are quite different from here in the U.S. I conducted a couple of interviews with former class parents, who happen to be from Europe. One is from former East Germany and one is from Finland. They both had many fascinating things to share about their cultures, and living as immigrants in the U.S. One matter that came up with both of them, was that they both indicated that by comparison to the U.S. diversity is simply not as prevalent within each country in Europe. Thank you for your post to my blog. I left a reply for you there in regard to your Montessori question.
ReplyDeleteHi Tammra,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this information with us. I am learning more as I read through the blogs.
I know that you are glad that you have Liz there to assist you.
I like the term "childminders" it seems friendlier than "day care provider." I was also surprised to learn that Montessori is only recognized for special needs in Ireland, wonder why?
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Thank you for the blog, I have been doing some very extensive searching for some other alternatives and I am making progress.
ReplyDelete