What it is about
This project is providing a training programme specifically developed
for staff and management in Traveller preschools. There are at present
over 50 Preschools for Traveller children with a total enrolment of approximately
550 pupils. The Preschools are managed by a variety of voluntary bodies
and located in a wide range of settings nationally.
How it happened
This project has come about through a need that was identified by the
National Evaluation Report issued by the Department of Education and Science
in 2003. The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education has
commissioned the project on behalf of the Department. Barnardos National
Children’s Resource Centre in partnership with the Irish National
Teachers Organisation is delivering the project.
What it will do
The overall aims of this project are:
- To improve the learning experience for the children attending the traveller pre-schools by improving the quality of the teaching, resources and environment provided.
- To set in motion a process of continuing professional development for the staff in these settings.
- To develop and improve the curriculum that is used in traveller pre-schools.
How it will do this:
The project consists of a number of elements:
- A 30 hour training programme
- Development of a Virtual Network for the Preschools
- A Mentoring Service for participants
- Action Research throughout the project
- Resource allocation for participants
The particular objectives of the project are:
- To enable all personnel to engage in professional development that is accredited.
- To give a voice to children and parents in the context of participating in the pre-schools.
- To develop age–appropriate practice (curriculum and pedagogy) in Traveller pre-schools.
- To promote a network with other personnel in early years settings and use the developed network as a possible model.
- To develop the capacity of the management committees to manage pre-schools as effectively as possible.
- To provide rigorous ongoing evaluation that will act as a model of
in-career development in this area for future reference .
