Policy Developments 1990-2004 - Centre for Early Childhood ...

Section 4Policy Developments 1990-2004Implications for the National Framework for Quality- DJELRDefining Quality:1. The role of the DJELR in ECCE in Ireland has largely been in its remit in achievingequality for women.2. Explicit policies and guidelines are seen as important to guide best practice withinsettings, including enrolments, children with special needs, parental involvement andcurriculum.3. ECCE services need to be culturally appropriate for the children and parentsinvolved.4. The quality of the services provided not only impacts on the immediate child, but alsohas broader social and economic implications for society.5. Quality is a complex phenomenon that can be viewed from a multiplicity ofperspectives and any definition must encapsulate such divergent viewpoints.6. The provision of adequate opportunities for play is seen as necessary in theattainment of quality.7. The environment of the child is seen as impacting on the quality of the servicesprovided.8. The equipment and resources within the setting impact upon the quality of theservices.9. The level of involvement of parents within settings is seen as a factor in the quality ofthe service provided.Assessing Quality:1. The nature of adult-child interactions are seen as integral to the achievement ofquality within settings.Supporting Quality:1. Training, education and ongoing professional development of all personnel in ECCEis an important element to ensure quality provision. Clear pathways of progressionwithin qualifications must be identified to enhance the professionalism of the sector.2. Quality is a feature that cannot be enforced through imposition alone. Supports mustbe in place to ensure that it is developed and nurtured.3. A national policy and infrastructure are needed to implement initiatives in relation toECCE.4. A local infrastructure is also necessary for the delivery of initiatives and to providesupports on the ground for services.5. Funding is imperative to support the attainment of quality through the provision ofan array of supports.6. Registration and the formalisation of informal services by providing supports is animportant initiative in achieving quality for all children in all services.21