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In this episode of the podcast, we delve into the findings of the eighth annual Barometer, with Director of Policy Frances Byrne. This opinion poll is conducted for Early Childhood Ireland, by Red C and explores public attitudes to Early Years and related issues. 

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This episode of Early Childhood Ireland's podcast provides an update on the Eco-Emotions suite of materials and resources. Guest, Milica Atanackovic, tells us how Eco-Emotions was created to support educators to develop a deeper appreciation of the importance of co and self-regulation and the role nature pedagogy can play in this for children. Milica also discusses the plans to extend the resources in 2025.   

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Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework has been updated. In this episode we chat to Dr Sharon Skehill from the NCCA about some of the key developments and changes in the Framework. You can find the Updated Aistear here https://curriculumonline.ie/early-childhood/aistear-2024/ 

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For our first episode of 2025, and as the final stages of government formation are taking place, we chatted with Frances Byrne and Emily Clarke of Early Childhood Ireland about our policy work during the recent General Election campaign. 

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In this episode we are delighted to be joined by Laura Dagger, from the National Child Safeguarding Office. She discusses the legal responsibilities of Early Years, School Age Care and registered Childminding settings in relation to Child Safeguarding. She outlines the requirements of the Safeguarding Statement and finally stresses the fact that Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Laura also signposts us to training and resources that can be found here https://www.childsafeguardingelc.ie/training

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In this episode we have a conversation with two passionate educators about children thriving outside in nature. Johanna Davis and Mary-Ellen O'Sullivan, from Seedling Nature Schools in Limerick share their experiences of children developing self-regulation and a value for the environment in their outdoor setting. 

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Muireann Ranta, from the South East Technological University joins us for this episode of Early Childhood Ireland's podcast. We discuss how we can encourage children to develop a sense of wonderment about the natural world from their very earliest days and how this sense of wonder supports education for sustainability. The resource developed by OMEP Ireland, called Sustainability for the Start, that Muireann refers to, can be found here 

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Early Childhood Ireland is delighted to have launched our newest member resource, called Eco-Emotions, funded by National Pyjama Day. In this episode of  Early Childhood Ireland's podcast we chat to Learning Strategy Manager, Milica Atanackovic about why we developed the Eco-Emotions suite of resources and webinar series. She also discusses initial finding from on member survey on self- regulations and awareness of sustainability issues in Early Years and School Age Care settings. 

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In this episode we discuss the findings and implications of the recent research carried out by Stranmillis University College on behalf of Early Childhood Ireland. We chat with Dr Suzanne McCartney, from Stranmillis and with Liz Kerrins from Early Childhood Ireland about the study, entitled  The determinants of experiences and outcomes for children and young people in Childminding: A Rapid Review of the Research Literature.
You can read the Executive Summary here
And you can read the full report here 

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In this, the first episode of our new season, we tease out the 4 Asks for Children to Elevate Early Years and School Age Care to the Status of Primary Education which are at the centre of our Budget 2025 Submission. We are delighted to be joined by Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland. We discuss the importance of a sustained and sustainable workforce, effective planning and how good family leave builds strong and connected families and communities.  You can read the full submission here.