INTRODUCTION
The aim of this assignment was to carry out a comprehensive profile of the history of the ECCE sector in Ireland.
Early childhood is an important time for children to learn and develop their social and educational needs. ECCE gets them ready for school and improves their overall school performance.
This assignment will look at the development of ECCE, dating back to changes in society such as more mothers in the labour force. The government has become more involved in the childcare sector in recent times. I aim to look at some of the policies that have been introduced at a direct result of this, and consider where a child stands with regards their rights within the ECCE sector.
I also plan to look at the workforce involved in the ECCE sector, what qualifications are needed and what jobs types are involved in working in the sector.
The Early Care and Education of a child takes into account the care and education of all children from birth to 6 years. I will look at some of the types of childcare settings responsible for this care and education.
Once I have completed this assignment I hope to have a better understanding of the ECCE sector in Ireland and how it has got to the way it is today.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ECCE IN IRELAND
The late 80s early 90s saw a boom in the economy. This then encouraged women to leave the home and go out to work. So with mothers working they weren’t able to care for their children and thus they were been put into pre-schools and other alternative childcare means. These were set up by local volunteers, private providers and by members of the community in response to parents needs. These services were set up in centre-based, home-based premises and as pre-schools.
Pre-schools offer a wide range of curricula to children and also offer special educational needs to those who are at a disadvantage level against others. Pre-school gives children a head start towards education and social skills before...