SIOLTA - The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education

THE VALUE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD:

Early childhood is a significant and distinct time in life that must be nurtured, respected, valued and supported in it's own right.

CHILDREN FIRST: 

The child's individuality, strengths, rights and needs are central in the provision of quality early childhood experiences.

PARENTS: 

Parents are the primary educators of the child and have a pre-eminent role in promoting his/her well-being, learning and development.

RELATIONSHIPS: 

Responsive, sensitive and reciprocal relationships, which are consistent over time, are essential to the well-being, learning and development of the young child.

EQUALITY: 

Equality is an essential characteristic of quality early childhood care and education.

DIVERSITY: 

Quality early childhood settings acknowledge and respect diversity and ensure that all children and families have their individual, personal, cultural and linguistic identity validated.

ENVIRONMENTS: 

The physical environment of the young child has a direct impact on his/her well-being, learning and development.

WELFARE: 

The safety, welfare and well-being of all children must be protected and promoted in all early childhood environments.

ROLE OF THE ADULT: 

The role of the adult in providing quality early childhood experiences is fundamental.

TEAMWORK: 

The provision of quality early childhood experiences requires co-operation, communication and mutual respect.

PEDAGOGY:  

Pedagogy in early childhood is expressed by curricula or programmes of activities which take a holistic approach to the development and learning of the child and reflect the inseparable nature of care and education.

PLAY:  

Play is central to the well-being, development and learning of the young child.