Aistear, the Irish word for journey, was Ireland’s first curriculum framework for early childhood education when it was introduced in 2009. This is the first update since then and it will come into effect in September next year.

 

The updated Aistear is for all children from birth to six years in all settings other than primary and special schools. It can be used by anyone who supports babies, toddlers and young children’s learning and development such as parents, childminders and early years educators.The new Aistear framework promotes a view of babies, toddlers, and young children as capable and confident learners who thrive in caring and respectful relationships. It provides information for adults to help them to provide enjoyable and challenging learning experiences, so that all children can grow and develop.

 

The updated framework is accompanied by The Guidance for Good Practice. This second document supports educators to understand and engage with the vision, principles and themes in Aistear.

 

The framework and related resources can be found here .