OUR PROGRAMS

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Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework

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Aistear is the new curriculum framework for children from birth to six years of age, in Ireland. It gives information to help plan for and provide enjoyable and challenging learning experiences so that all children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners. Aistear describes the types of learning that are important for children in their early years, and offers ideas and suggestions for how this learning might be nurtured. The Framework also provides guidelines on aspects of early childhood practice.

 

Aistear uses four themes to outline children’s learning and development. These themes connect and overlap with each other, they are:

• Well-Being 

• Identity and Belonging 

• Communicating 

• Exploring and Thinking

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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 experience that can support this. Aistear makes connections in children’s learning throughout the early childhood years and as they move from one setting to another. Aistear supports parents as their children’s primary educators during early childhood, and promotes effective partnerships between parents and practitioners. Aistear complements and extends existing curriculums and materials.

And finally Aistear informs practice across a range of settings, disciplines and professionals, and encourage interdisciplinary work.

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