Two Donegal Early Years and School Age Care settings selected for masterclass

A new Early Childhood Ireland initiative, Time for Nurturing Connections (TIME), is holding a dedicated masterclass for educators from Early Years and School Age Care.

Two settings across Donegal have been selected to take part in the programme designed to strengthen children's emotional development, resilience and sense of belonging from the earliest years. 

The masterclass taking place on Tuesday, April 14, brings together educators from all 16 participating settings to equip them with high-quality, evidence-based training focused on building nurturing, responsive relationships with children and how to embed these approaches into daily practice.

Findings from the latest Growing Up in Ireland study show that nearly half of children who experienced emotional difficulties at age five were still experiencing them at age nine. By contrast, only 7% of younger children without difficulties later developed difficulties, powerfully illustrating the difference that supportive environments from a young age can make.

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Commenting on the TIME programme, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said, "Early Years and School Age Care settings are places where children build relationships, develop confidence and learn to navigate their emotions. Time for Nurturing Connections is a real investment in Donegal's children, supporting educators and practitioners to embed emotionally supportive practice that gives children the best possible start in life.

"Early Childhood Ireland’s TIME masterclass is another step in supporting the professionalisation of Ireland's Early Years and School Age Care workforce, sharing approaches rooted in developmental research and high-quality practice. We are grateful to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and Community Foundation Ireland for funding this important work," Ms Heeney concluded.

The programme is funded by the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, Charities Institute Ireland, Pobal and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme