PL Pedagogy, Learning and Education in Irish‚ Teagasc, Foghlaim agus Oideachas

Overview of work Completed by the Group

2011: the association held the‚ Our Children, Our Future‚ conference hosted by IT Sligo. In addition to two days of key note addresses, a series of academic workshops focussing upon policy, pedagogy and practice in early childhood education and care provided a vibrant forum for educators, students, practitioners, policy makers and support agencies to discuss and debate a range of pertinent issues and more importantly, to celebrate a multitude of achievements by the sector.
2013: the Conference proceedings edited by Breda McTaggart and Perry Share were published.
2012: with input from across the spectrum of PL members, the association launched its first academic publication‚ Early Education and Care‚ co-edited by Dr Mire Mhic Mhathuna (DIT) and Dr Mark Taylor (IT Sligo).
2012: Dr McGlone the then chairperson of PL was invited by the Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald, T.D., to represent PL on the expert advisory group to prepare a report for the Early Years Strategy. The report, Right from the Start‚ was launched in October, 2013 and will inform the development of a National Framework for Children and Young People.
2013: PL held a Summer School where the members engaged in two exciting days of debate and discussion about a range of relevant issues including regulation, Garda vetting, progression pathways for graduates and the professionalization of the early childhood sector

2015 work plan

1. Organise capacity building for PL to further support and enhance the capacity of the association to respond to student need and enhance the student experience; and to develop a core positive message that represents the association and its work. An initial work shop is being held on February 6th with the purpose of:
– undertaking a skills/strengths audit in order to inform the association‚ future work plan vis a vis how members identify and respond to the emerging needs of their students.
– developing a shared‚ message‚ that reflects PL and its work, to raise awareness of, and increase the visibility of PL as a critical association within the Higher Education infrastructure.

2. Develop, activate and launch a PLE website. This is an essential‚ next step‚ for PL in terms of increasing its national visibility but more importantly activating‚ student voice‚ through online information sharing and dissemination of PL activities and the facilitation of online discussion and debate. It is envisaged that the website will be hosted by a member institution.
3. Host a national seminar aimed at early childhood students and 3rd level institutions offering Level 7 and Level 8 degrees in early childhood studies to raise awareness of PL and its work nationally and to launch the PL website.