Quality can be defined as an 'environment of relationships' where the consistency of interactions and attachments are the first, middle and end point of early childhood learning and care’. The quality and stability of a child’s relationships in early childhood lay the foundation for intellectual, social, emotional, physical and moral development. 'Interactions and Relationships for the under 3’s' is a practical programme that puts the spotlight on the importance of engagement and interaction strategies with very young children. The programme includes 4 components that will support educators to understand how interactions and relationships underpin quality early childhood practice. The main component of the programme explores a variety of practical everday interaction strategies and techniques for the professional educator.  The programme contains 2 self reflective excercises to enable the educator to reflect on their own practice.  The Resource Document section contains useful handouts and information blogs.   

With sensory play, there’s always much more going on than meets the eye. Picking things up and feeling their texture is what is often associated with sensory play, but it’s about much more than touch. Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates a young child's senses of touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing, as well as anything which engages movement and balance. 'Sensory Play - Making sense of the world' is an informative and practical programme that is suitable for educators working with babies, toddlers or pre-school children. The  programme aims to bring awareness to the vital importance of sensory play as well as highlighting the impact for children with sensory processing difficulties. In addition the programme includes lots of visual and practical ideas for sensory play activities and provides samples of all important documentation of sensory learning linked to Aistear.  There are 2 reflective practice excercises for educators to think about their own practice in certain areas including a 'Sensory Audit' to evaluate the breadth of sensory activities on offer and the suitability of the environment for children with sensory processing difficulties.  The Reference Document section contains useful handouts for future reference and a certificate of participation can be downloaded on completion of the programme. 

Learning stories are a meaningful method of assessment for learning in early childhood that capture the uniqueness of the individual child. The ‘Creating Learning Stories’ programme will provide Educators with practical guidance on this wonderful pedagogical technique for early childhood education. The programme is presented in 5 short components - each one building on the learning from the one before and packed with practical examples. Participants will discover how to structure, compile, and use learning stories as a meaningful assessment tool, to engage parents and to showcase children’s individual strengths, interests and needs. Components are: Assessment for Learning in Early Education  The Learning Story Approach  Techniques for Educators Bringing Learning Stories to Life - multiple examples and formats  Engaging Parents with Learning Stories. The Resource Documents section contains printable handouts to support the programme content and a Certificate of Participation is saved to the educator profile on completion. *PLEASE READ YOUR 'NOTES FOR THE COURSE' BEFORE STARTING YOUR PROGRAMME*