QQI ELC Level 5 Childcare Assignment: An Introduction to Early Learning and Care (ELC) in Ireland

Assignment : Introduction to ELC

Task:1(a-c)

Early Learning and Care or ELC is really just how young children can be taken care of when their parents are busy with work or simply need an extra hand.These programs don’t only ‘watch kids’ they also let them play, learn new things and grow. Families could choose from different types of care,depending on what they need.TUSLA has more than 4,300 Early Years Services in Ireland on its register.There are more than 950 school services on Tusla’s register(Tusla,n.d.).

Early Child Care programs are typically offered in three main formats.

Three Types of Early Child Care Settings:

1.Full-Time Childcare:

Children spend the majority of the day there,usually five days a week.

It’s a good fit for parents who work full-time.

Parents want their child to have a consistent routine with lots of learning and social activities(NCCA,2009).

2.Part-Time child Care:

In this option,children attend care for a few hours each day or maybe just a couple of days a week.

It helps families who don’t need care every day.

Parents want their child to enjoy some structured learning and play time.

3.Seasonal Child Care :

This care is furnished on a temporary basis or short-term basis such as during holidays,summer programs or even when parents have seasonal jobs.

It focuses more on on recreational and social activities alongside basic

Supervision.(Tusla,n.d.)

Task:1(b)

Early Learning and Care (ELC) is all about giving children the best possible start in life.It covers the different types of childcare and preschool services available for young children usually from birth up to around six years old.These services don’t just look after children while parents are at work,they also learn little ones learn,play and develop socially,emotionally and physically during their early years.

In Ireland childcare services are closely regulated by TUSLA(Tusla,n.d).

The government also supports families through schemes such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) which helps reduce the cost of childcare.ECCE programme which gives children two free years of preschool before they start primary school.

In practice ELC services in Ireland are delivered through different categories such as Sessional Services(like preschool that run a few hours a day),Part-time,Full-day(longer hours for working parents),Childminding and Drop-in Services.

Each type of plays a role in supporting children’s growth and giving parents flexible childcare options.

When I looked at the childcare Services available in Limerick,I found that there are different types on offer but some are more common than others. In Limerick,the most common service is Sessional Care(that run for about 3 hours a day)(Tusla,n.d.).

The next most common are full day care service(that open for longer hours)

Sessional Service:

Preschool or Montessori

About 3 hours a day (open part of ECCE scheme)

The most widely available service in Limerick (NCCA,2009).

Full-day Care:

Centre open for most of the day

It’s quite common.

Second most available.

Part -time:

Longer than Sessional but not a full day (3.5-5 hours)some available but fewer than Sessional and Full-day.

Drop-in:Short-term or occasional care Only when needed,very rare few in Limerick.

Childminding:

Care in a person’s.home for a small numbers of children.

Available but less visible.It’s arranged privately.

Task-1(c)

In Ireland,Early Learning and Care(ELC)is supported by a mix of government initiatives and laws to make sure children get safe,high-quality care and education.

Government Initiatives:

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme:

:This programme gives kids aged 3 to 4 a free,two -year preschool experience before they start primary school.It’s all about giving children a good start in learning in a fun and safe environment (DCEDIY,2019).

National Childcare Scheme (NCS):

The NCS helps families with the cost of childcare and it’s depending on our income.There are two main types of support:

• A universal subsidy.which is available to everyone.
• An income related subsidy.Which gives more support to families based on how much they earn.

people can get financial support to make childcare more affordable.so more children can attend early learning services(DCEDIY,2019).

Key legislation:

1.Childcare Act 1991(Amendment)Regulation 2016This is the main law that makes sure children are safe and well cared for.It gives the child and Family Agency (TUSLA)the responsibility to check that early years services meet the right standards(Children First Act,2015).

2.Childcare Act 1991(Early years Services)Regulations 2016:

These regulations set out the rules that all early learning must follow.Tusla inspects services to make sure they are safe,clean and provide good care and education.

3.Children First Act 2015:

This law focuses on child protection. Childcare providers must have safeguarding policies in place and report any concerns about child welfare to the authorities(Children First Act 2015).

Task:2

Aistear is the national educational framework for every child from birth to six years in Ireland. Its primary aim is to assist early childhood educators in organizing children’s learning and development comprehensively. It is founded on four main themes: Well-being, Identity and Belonging, Communication, and Exploration and Thinking. In early childhood environments, educators implement Aistear by utilizing play as the primary means for learning, developing a curriculum that evolves based on children’s interests. The framework offers a shared terminology for articulating learning and assists professionals in recording children’s development(NCCA,2009).

First 5 is an extensive ten-year governmental plan aimed at enhancing the well-being of young children and their families in Ireland. Its goal is not to serve as a curriculum but as a policy framework instigating substantial systemic transformations. It emphasizes affordability, accessibility, and quality in early education and care. Its use in early years services entails the implementation of innovative funding models, like Core Funding, which seeks to enhance service sustainability and promote workforceprofessionalisation. First 5 has also resulted in the expansion of initiatives such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), improving service accessibility for families(DCEDIY,2019).

The Children First Act 2015 establishes a legal basis for the safeguarding and well-being of children. Its main objectives are to establish mandatory reporting for specific individuals, necessitating them to inform Tusla of any child abuse or neglect issues, and to legally require organizations that engage with children to possess formal child safeguarding statements.

In early years settings, the Act applies by categorizing all childcare personnel as

“mandated individuals.

” This creates a legal responsibility for them to notify Tusla about any child protection issues. Additionally, all early years services must have a publicly accessible Child Safeguarding Statement that formalizes their dedication to ensuring children’s safety(Children First Act,2015).

Síolta is the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education in Ireland.. The aim is to establish and evaluate quality in all early childhood environments. Síolta offers a thorough framework based on 12 Principles and 16 Standards that covers all facets of an early learning environment, such as interactions, professional practices, and collaborations with parents. Early years services utilize Síolta as a self-evaluation instrument for ongoing quality enhancement. The framework is commonly utilized in conjunction with Aistear, where Síolta offers the framework for quality and Aistear delivers the curriculum content(CECDE,2006).

Better Start is a nationwide program that offers expert support, guidance, and mentoring to early childhood services to improve their quality. Its main aim is to assist services in executing national frameworks and policies, like Síolta and Aistear. Its use is functional: services can utilize the Quality Development Service (QDS), where Early Years Specialists deliver on-site coaching and assistance. Better Start provides various Continuing

Professional Development (CPD) programs for staff and overseessignificant national initiatives such as the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) to assist children with disabilities in early education environments(Pobal,n.d.).

Task:3

Principal aim:

In Ireland, early years education supports children grow and learn in all ways, thinking, feeling, moving, playing and managing emotions. It focuses on fun, learning, and all children are included(NCCA,2009;CECDE,2006).

In the UK, the goal is also to help children learn and develop through play, but teachers check their progress using the Early years Foundation Stage(EYFS) framework, which sets specific learning goals(Department for Education,2021). Both countries want children to be ready for school, but Ireland focuses more on well-being and the UK adds more on learning goals.

Main objectives/goals:

Ireland

The main goal of early years services is to help children grow and learn through play from birth to age six. These services focus on developing social skills, language, thinking, and physical movement. They also try to give all children a fair start, especially those who need more support and Prepare them for school.

UK

The goal is similar, help children learn and develop. They focus on play, social skills, talking, reading, and numbers, while ensuring children safe and included.

Both countries want children to learn through play and have a fair start, but the

UK tends to have more rules.

Main Programmes:Ireland:

The main early years is called ECCE. It is for children aged 3-5 years old and offers 2 years of free preschool , 15 hours per week. Children learn through play to know how to grow socially, emotionally, and physically(DCEDIY,2019)

UK:

The main program is EYFS. It is for children from birth-5 years old. Children can attend 15-30 hours of free preschool and learn through play and other activities(Department for Education,2021)

Difference:

Ireland program lasts 2 years, while the UK program is covers a longer period .

Both focus on learning through play.

Funding:

In Ireland, the government helps parents pay for early education. Programs like

ECCE give children two years of free preschool and the National Childcare Scheme supports parents with childcare costs. Still, funding is lower compared to other countries(DCEDIY,2019).

In the UK, children aged three and four can get free preschool hours, and some families can get extra hours. Money is given to local councils and nurseries, but parents sometimes still need to pay extra(Department for Education,2021).

Education policy:

In Ireland, children can attend two years of free preschool, with Aistear(early learning framework)and Siolta(quality standards)making sure the education is high quality. Families can also get financial help for

childcare(NCCA,2009;CECDE,2006;DCEDIY,2019).

In the UK, free early education is offered for three- and four-year-olds, but the rules differ in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Ireland has a more uniform system, while the UK varies by region(Department for

Education;Ofsted,n.d.).

Both countries aim to support children’s learning, growth, and social skills from an early age.

Task: 5 Internal Stakeholders:

1.Center Director :

The Center Director is responsible for curriculum planning,staff recruitment and maintaining safety standards.

He/She oversees overall operation,sets policies,ensures compliance with regulations and manages staff.

2.Early Childhood Educators:

Teachers,Assistants or Support Staff who run educational and play activities. Work directly with children,implement daily activities and monitor children’s development and wellbeing.

3.Children/Participants:

Children attending the center whose learning,safety are the focus on the staff. The main recipients of care and education.They need safety and development guide all activities.

External Stakeholders:

1.Parents/Guardians :

Parents who attend Parent -Teacher meetings,give feedback and participate in center events.

Support children’s learning,pay fees and provide input on care and education.

2.Regulatory Bodies/Government Agencies:

Inspectors visiting to make sure health and safety standards are met.

Check that the center is safe and follows childcare rules.3.Community/Local Services:

A local library running a story session for the kids.

Support the center with extra activities,services or partnerships.

(Childcare First Act,2015).

Task:7

The Safety,Health and Welfare at work Act 2005 is a law in Ireland that makes sure workplaces are safe and healthy for everyone.

Below are five main responsibilities of employers and five of employees:

Responsibilities of Employers:

1.provide a safe workplace:

Employers must make sure that the workplace is safe and free from dangers.For example,Machines should work properly,Floor should not be slippery,Free exit should be clean.

2.Check for risks:

Employers have to look for possible dangers at work.This is called risk assessment.After finding risks they must take steps to reduce or remove them.

3.Give training and information:

Employers must give worker the right training and instruction.So,they know how to do their job carefully.

4.Have a safety statement:

Every workplace must have a writer safety statement.This document explains the safety rules and how the employer will protect workers.

5.Provide Protective Equipment and Facilities:Employers must give workers the right protective equipment such as gloves,helmets,high-visibility Jackets.(when needed).

They should also provide welfare facilities like toilets and first aid.

Responsibilities of Employees:

1.Take care of yourself and others:

Employees make sure their actions.Do not harm other people and must look after their own health and safety.

2.Follow Instructions and training:

Workers must do their job in the safe way they were trained.

They should use equipment in right way.

3.Report Problems:

If an employee sees something dangerous such as a broken machine or a spill on the floor,they should tell the employer quickly.

4.Use protective equipment properly:

If safety equipment is given workers must wear or use it correctly,for wearing a helmet on a building site is very important.

5.work with The employers on safety:

Employers should cooperate with their employers and follow the health and safety policies.

(Safety,Health and Welfare at work Act 2005).

Conclusion:

This law says safety is for everyone.The employers must give a safe place and the right tools.Workers must use them properly and follow the rules.By working together employers and employees can reduce accidents and create a safer workplace every one.

Task8:Early Learning Centers are places where young children can explore, play, and

begin to learn. Policies help teachers know their responsibilities, support parents with clear guidance, and ensure the center is safe and fair.

There are five important policies an ELC should have:

1.Child protection and safeguarding policy:

This policy explains how the center keeps children safe from harm. It should include :

a)how to report if a child is harm or in danger

b) Rules for how staff should behave.

It is important because children are protected and parents feel safe leaving their kids the center(Children First Act,2015).

2.Health and Safety policy:

This policy shows how to keep the ELC setting safe ELC.

It should include :

a)cleaning and washing hands,

b)safe food handling, fire drills and emergencies, what to do if a child gets hurt. This is important because it keeps children, staff, and visitors safe and healthy(Safety,Health and Welfare at work Act,2005).

3.Equality,Diversity and inclusion:

This policy ensures that every child is treated fairly.

It should include:

a)No discrimination here all children are respected equally,

b)Activities that everyone can join, and helping children with different abilities. This is important because it helps all children feel welcome,valued and included(NCCA,2009).

4.Behaviour management:This policy helps children learn positive behaviour and social skills.

It should include :

a)Handling bad behavior in a fair and consistent way,

b)Using kind and appropriate discipline.

This is important because children develop self control self-control, respect for others and the ti interact appropriately in social settings(NCCA,2009).

5.Confidentiality and data protect policy:

This policy explains how to keep children’s and families’ information private and secure.

It should include :

a)we can see personal information ,

b)asking permission before sharing information, and how records are stored and shared.

This is important because families need to trust that staff and children’s information must be safe(Tusla,n.d.).

Conclusion:

These five policies are crucial in an ELC because they ensure that children are . They make sure children are safe, happy, and treated like family while helping staff do their jobs well.

References

Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE). (2006).

Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education.

Dublin: CECDE.

Children First Act, 2015, Ireland.

Department for Education. (2021). Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. UK Government.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-f ramework–2

National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). (2009). Aistear:

The early childhood curriculum framework. Dublin: NCCA. Ofsted. (n.d.). Early years inspection framework. UK Government.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted Pobal. (n.d.). Better Start Early Years Specialist Service.

https://www.pobal.ie

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, Ireland.

Tusla. (n.d.). Early years services register. https://www.tusla.ie

DCEDIY. (2019). Annual Early Years Sector Profile. Government of Ireland.

OECD. (2021). Starting Strong VI: Supporting Meaningful Interactions in Early Childhood Education and Care. OECD Publishing.

UNICEF. (2019). A World Ready to Learn: Prioritizing quality early childhood education.

UNICEF Publishing.