2 Day Annual Conference &

AGM

O’Brien Science Centre, UCD

# ECIConf17

31st March - 1st April

Valuing the EarlyChildhood Professional

The Early Childhood Ireland Research and Practice seminar is an opportunity for researchers and practitioner educators to share their research towards developing evidence-based thinking and practice within the early childhood sector in Ireland. The number and interesting range of abstracts promises to make this an exciting and stimulating professional conversation between researchers, educators and policy makers. More information: https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/research-seminar-2017/

The Awards Night is a party to celebrate the wonderful work/learning of Early Childhood Professionals. We will present the Early Childhood Ireland Innovation, Inspired Practice and Learning Story Awards on the night. Also special plaques will be awarded to our new Síolta-validated member settings.

Keynote PresentationNóirin Hayes

On the Day:

Research Seminars

Poster Presentations

Professional Conversation

Networking

Friday 31st March

Saturday 1st April

Discussion

Laura Henry Two Masterclasses

Expo

Minister Zappone

Breakfast AGM

In this keynote address, Laura Henry will discuss the unique needs of the child and how educators can support children with their holistic developmental needs. Laura will also reflect on the importance of educators knowing and owning their own personal reflections and thoughts on Early Years and how this is key in how they work with children

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, TD will open the Conference.

Each of the Masterclasses, delivered by experts in their fields, will be on topics closely linked to the theme of the Conference: “Valuing the Early Childhood Professional”.

Panel discussion featuring representatives from DCYA, DES, Early Years Inspectorate and TUSLA.

Exhibitors will have a wide range of play equipment, crafts, toys, book and information displays available to check out and purchase.

Panel

Keynote Choose

Market

Address

AGM

#ECIConf17 #ECIConf17

Research has clearly established that the key indicator of quality in early childhood education and care is the educator. In Early Childhood Ireland we are acutely aware of the responsibilities of the role and the need to feel supported, respected and valued. Consequently, this conference is about drawing attention to the enormous contribution you make to children, families and communities.

Research &Practice Seminar

Annual Conferenceand AGM

Your Choice ofMasterclasses

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Lee HerlihyHorizons Montessori

Dr. Mary O’KaneMaynooth University

Dr. Emer RingMary Immaculate College

Tom McDonaghAdare HR Management

Michelle O’Donnell Keating Social Entrepeneurs

Deirdre RogersReCreate

Laura HenryLaura Henry Consultancy

Mary SkillingtonGalway-Mayo IT

In Search of Wellbeing for Early Childhood Educators

In this Masterclass Lee Herlihy demonstrates how she engages with the challenges of Aistear and supports children’s learning using an emergent, enquiry-based approach. She draws both on the Montessori philosophy and Aistear’s principles.

This masterclass will consider the findings from research regarding early childhood transitions and identify key roles for the Educator in ensuring that children have the experiences and supports for moving on and making life-enhancing transitions.

This Masterclass supports settings implementing the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM). It will explore the concept of inclusion and provide key signposts to support early years’ educators in their practice.

Tom McDonagh, Senior HR & Employment Law Consultant with Adare HRM looks at the importance of staff support and supervision in a sector with a staffing crisis and highlights how support and supervision can form part of an effective staff retention strategy.

This Masterclass will explore the need for business owners and managers to mindfully build resilience into their personal development plans. It will also look at how best to manage your own personal health and wellbeing while working in a fast moving and challenging environment.

Deirdre will explore the natural process of investigation that children use to learn about their world. Through a short presentation and fun hands-on activities she will demonstrate how as adults we can engage with young children through artistic practices that provoke curiosity.

Working with babies and toddlers: Within this masterclass for educators, we will explore how to support babies and toddlers with their care, learning and welfare. Discussing the importance of the role of the educator in practice.

The best gift we can give to children is to nurture our own well-being. This masterclass will focus on the main sources of stress in the Educator’s work and consider a toolkit of strategies for both personal management of stress and for driving change within early childhood settings.

Supporting Montessori Settings to Engage with Aistear

Supporting the Transition to Big School

Implementing the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM)

Staff Support and Supervision

Resilience and Personal Effectiveness

The Arts as a Curiosity

It’s all happening before three!

ConferenceOption

MemberRate

Non-MemberRate

Friday Afternoon Seminar

Saturday Conference

Combo Ticket 1: Friday Seminar and Saturday Conference

Combo Ticket 2: Awards Night and Saturday Conference

Combo Ticket 3: Friday Seminar, Awards Night and Saturday Conference

Awards Night

€35

€60

€60

€90

€115

€150

€40

€95

€95

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

Booking Details:

Attendee 1 name: _________________________________________________Attendee 2 name: _________________________________________________Attendee 3 name: _________________________________________________Attendee 4 name: _________________________________________________Attendee 5 name: _________________________________________________

Email Address for booking confirmation: _________________________________________

Mobile No.: _____________________

Membership No.: _____________________

Special dietary/access or other requirements: ______________________________________

Booking

N/A

N/A

N/A

Group bookings for students possible for groups of 10 or more. Please phone: (01) 4057100.

The easiest way to book is online at: www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/bookingsAlternatively you can fill in the form below!

#ECIConf17