We can provide a range of quality supports tailored specifically to your service.
Rachel provides supports around topics such as supporting learning and development through a rights based approach, curriculum development, a reflective cycle of planning and meaningful assessment and documentation, developing indoor and outdoor learning environments, pedagogy, resources, setting up a service etc.
Kathryn provides supports around topics such as recruitment, staff support and supervision, policy development, setting up a service etc.
Contact: rachel@kerrycountychildcare.com
Contact: kathryn@kerrycountychildcare.com
Aistear the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework was updated in 2024. It is the outcome of extensive research, consultation, planning, and development by the NCCA in partnership with the early childhood sector.
Aistear can be used in the range of early childhood settings including children’s own homes, childminding settings, full and part-time daycare settings, sessional services and infant classes in primary schools.
 You can access the updated framework here, the guidance document here and the FAQ document here and the Family guide here.
Some useful support videos from the NCCA are available here.
A webinar on”Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Updated Aistear” from Leadership for INClusion in Early Years (LINC) can be accessed below.
Siolta is the National Quality Framework developed by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE). The handbooks and manual can be downloaded from the Siolta website: www.siolta.ie
The purpose of the Practice Guide is to support practitioners in using Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (2009) and SĂolta, The Practice guide is currently being updated to reflect the new Aistear 2024.
The practice guide can still be accessed here. Aistear Siolta Practice Guide.
Support is available from Rachel O’ Mahony & Kathryn O’Donnell.
The Early Years Inspectorate has developed a Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF), to support registered Early Years Services to comply with the 2016 Regulations. The QRF does this by setting out the core regulatory requirements in a transparent way, bringing together evidence-based, national and international research and best practice in Early Years. The QRF aims to support registered providers in achieving compliance with the regulations and enhance the safety and care of children who attend these services. The QRF is child-centred, with a specific focus on the quality and safety of the care provided directly to children using the services.
You can find a link to all QRF’s here:
The Better Start Quality Development Service is a national initiative, which is available to all Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings in Ireland. We provide professional development to settings catering for children from birth to 6 years. Our team of Early Years Specialists provide mentoring and coaching to implement the national frameworks SĂolta and Aistear, enhancing quality practice and positive outcomes for children.
For more information please visit: https://www.betterstart.ie/the-quality-development-service/
The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years programme, LINC, is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award (Higher Education). The programme is designed to enhance the inclusion of all children in Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings through the development of the role of Inclusion CoOrdinator (INCO).
The Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Consortium is proud to offer two inclusive education programmes:Â the multi-award-winning LINC Programme, and the LINC+ CPD Programme for LINC graduates.
For people working in the Early Years in Ireland. Become an INclusion COordinator (INCO) with the LINC Programme.
For graduates of the LINC Programme (INCOs). Continue to learn with the LINC+ CPD Programme.