Introduces recent changes in legislation and service provision in Ireland, including the recently revised pre-school regulations

Incorporates essential information relevant to the Irish childcare situation

Provides a strong and integrated focus on policies, laws & services within the context of Irish childcare

Represents recent developments in the childcare sector, with particular attention to children’s rights and equality

Contains class exercises in the form of case studies, scenarios, activities and discussion topics in all sections

Web links related to key areas are provided for further exploration and information

Suitable for: FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Childcare FETAC Level 6 Certificate in Childcare FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Community and Health Services with a particular focus on the Social Studies and Intercultural Studies modules CACHE, BTEC & City & Guilds qualifications in early years work Special Needs Classroom Assistant (SNA) courses and classroom assistants


Author Biography
Josephine Donohoe, CQSW, DipASS., worked as a social worker for 20 years and was also involved in social research during this time. She is currently the Social Studies tutor in Sallynoggin College of Further Education, teaching on the FETAC Level 5 and FETAC Level 6 Certificates in Childcare, the FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Community and Health Services and the CACHE Diploma in Childcare. Frances Gaynor, MA (Equality Studies) HDipEd. was the manager of a Childcare Centre for many years before becoming the Early Education tutor in Sallynoggin College of Further Education, teaching on FETAC Level 5 Certificates, FETAC Level 6 Certificates and the CACHE Diploma in Childcare. She is currently deputy principal of the College.

Table of Contents
Introduction
SECTION ONE – EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
Chapter 1 Development of the Early Childhood Sector
Chapter 2 Pre-School Regulations
Chapter 3 Children have a Right to Quality Services
SECTION TWO – PROVIDING FOR PLAY
Chapter 4 The Play Environment
Chapter 5 Play – Ages and Stages
SECTION THREE – CHILD OBSERVATION
Chapter 6 Introducing Child Observation
Chapter 7 Observations in Practice
SECTION FOUR – LEGAL ISSUES
Chapter 8 The Legal Framework for Families and Children
Chapter 9 Child Protection
SECTION FIVE – SOCIAL ISSUES
Chapter 10 Sociology: Key Concepts for Early Childhood Workers
Chapter 11 Social Services
SECTION SIX – EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Chapter 12 Looking at Ourselves
Chapter 13 Prejudice and Discrimination in Ireland
Chapter 14 Why Focus on Children?

Published May 2011