In conjunction with our support and advocacy, Preparing for Life Early Years Education team deliver a specific programme called Strengthening Foundations for Learning (SFL), which is a professional development programme for early years educators working in community settings in North Dublin. Following an evaluation by Professor Nóirín Hayes, phase two has been developed which aspires to provide educators with a nurturing, mentoring experience and encourages reflection on practice within a quality development programme. This programme aims to build the capacity of educators to be “responsive, sensitive and reciprocal” in their interactions with children.
This quality and professional development programme is grounded in the principles of Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education. The concepts of social and emotional well-being for young children and infant mental health are embedded within the programme. The key areas on which the Strengthening Foundations of Learning Programme seeks to make a positive impact are:
- Relationship-based early years practice (promoting secure attachment)
- Curriculum foundations
- The learning environment
- Planning and assessment of learning and for learning
- Communication and oral language development
- Pedagogical leadership and professional identity
The SFL programme is divided into 3 phases: