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practiceguide@ncca.ie

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Introduction

Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework for babies, toddlers and young children has been updated. The updated Framework has been developed to support early learning and development from birth up until the child starts primary school.

Aistear celebrates early childhood as a time of being, a time for enjoying and learning from experiences as they unfold and laying important foundations for later learning and for life. Everything you know and understand about Aistear (2009) remains relevant in the update but the updated Framework incorporates new understandings of the rights of babies, toddlers and young children, sustainability and a deeper awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Aistear is supported by the Guidance for Good Practice. The Guidance builds on the original Guidelines for Good Practice (NCCA, 2009) and supports educators to understand and engage with new concepts introduced in the updated Framework. 

The AistearSíolta Practice Guide is currently being updated to reflect the changes to the updated Aistear. In the meantime, early years educators should continue to use the current resources to reflect on their practice with babies, toddlers and young children. This video will guide you on how to use the practice guide.