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. 

Loose Parts are any open-ended materials that you can give to children that have no directions or instructions. With no prescribed method of play or end product, items can be used entirely at the discretion of the child. Loose parts play is a valuable contributor to an emergent curriculum approach. The 'Loose Parts Play' programme contains lots of practical and visual inspiration to make loose parts play a significant component of an emergent curriculum for the under 3’s, preschool and school age children.  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. IMPORTANT* Before you start - please read 'NOTES FOR THE COURSE'. This contains important information to help you navigate the site if you are undertaking a programme for the first time.