Aistear Blogs

Children and their lives are at the heart of Aistear which celebrates early childhood ‘… as a time of being, and of enjoying and learning from experiences as they unfold’ (GoI, 2024, 6). When updating Aistear, it was important to ensure that it reflected the changes to children’s lived experiences in Ireland, as well as aligning with research and policy developments pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion.

In considering the respectful image of the baby, toddler and young child in the Framework, there is a particular emphasis on acknowledging their individual life stories with kindness and consideration. This acknowledgement of their individual experiences is grounded in an understanding of the rights of the child in ensuring no baby, toddler or young child faces discrimination in accessing and participating in early childhood education. In presenting a vision of the educator as one who genuinely believes in the competencies of babies, toddlers and young children, meaningful participation is understood as the intentionality that informs and guides pedagogical practices, ensuring all children experience  joy and sonas (happiness) in their learning.

Recognising and celebrating diversity of self, family, baile (home) or ability is embedded throughout Aistear. Recognising diversity is about empowering and enabling babies, toddlers and young children to have bród (pride) in themselves, their family and their culture and to feel confident in knowing all they bring to their social worlds. Their funds of knowledge from home are listened to and wondered at as valued contributions to the curriculum.

As much as Aistear celebrates difference, it also draws attention to the importance of valuing similarities and connectedness. Learning about each other, being fiosrach (curious) together, and finding these connections builds friendships. Aistear recognises the fundamental need to belong and to feel part of a community, nurturing a sense of ómós áite (value of place) and collective identity as being part of something and someplace together.

Aistear places a strong emphasis on an understanding of equity in early childhood. Equity is about addressing any challenges that a baby, toddler or young child might experience because of their background or ability. The agentic educator knows the importance of their role in holding each baby, toddler and young child in a respectful and protective space, understanding the need to make things fair and accessible for all. While the term ‘equality’ means that all babies, toddlers and young children have equal access and opportunity; ‘equity’ is about fairness. It is about knowing who needs the extra time to put on their wellies so they aren’t always the last one to get to the swing. It is about knowing who needs the doors open ten minutes early so they do not have to deal with the busyness of transitions. It is about respecting each baby, toddler and young child and where they are at, and knowing the importance of taking the time to get to know them. 

Inclusion in Aistear is about supporting, empowering and enabling every baby, toddler and young child to participate and progress in meaningful learning experiences. Inclusion is interwoven throughout the structures of Aistear, created on a foundation of children’s rights with broad and flexible Aims and Learning Goals so each and every baby, toddler and young child can reach their individual potential. Again, this draws attention back to the centrality of the agentic, competent, confident and reflective educator in using their knowledge and skills to develop a curriculum to inspire joy, fiosracht (curiosity), determination, bravery and sonas (happiness). In doing so, there is recognition and a genuine belief in the competencies of babies, toddlers and young children as well as a determination to advocate for and be a duty-bearer to promote their rights.

Read the previous blog in our series here.