The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education
The contents of this handbook have been designed to present a broad overview of the context, process of development and possibilities for future implementation of Síolta - The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education. It has clearly articulated the commitment of the CECDE to evidence-informed policy development. Furthermore, it has defined this evidence in terms of consultation, and review of policy, practice and research in both the national and international context. The openness and transparency of this development process has promoted a sense of ownership among the wider ECCE sector. The inclusion of preliminary discussion documents on the issues of assessing and supporting quality will facilitate the continuation of this sector-wide consultation and collaboration.
The publication of Síolta marks a positive milestone in the dynamic evolution of the ECCE sector in Ireland. It is a unique document, representing as it does the consensus of an unprecedented number of those involved, whether directly or indirectly, in the provision of ECCE services. Undoubtedly there remains a great deal of work to do in order to realise the potential for change contained within these documents. However, the preparation and publication of these materials ensures that such work can begin to proceed in a coordinated and cohesive manner. The CECDE looks forward with anticipation to this future work. The support we have received, in the first instance from the DES and, in the wider sense, from the membership of our Consultative Committee and the ECCE community of practice they represent, has been a decisive factor in the achievement of our Programme of Work to date. With the continuation of such support, we can continue the collaborative processes that have produced theese materials, and ensure that they make a real and positive impact on the quality of young children's experiences in their earliest and formative years.