Bonnybrook Early Education Centre We follow a play-based emergent curriculum which values and supports child-initiated learning through the provision of quality play experiences and supportive adult interactions. Curriculum plans are developed by staff in consultation with children and parents, through observation of children’s emerging interests and the learning outcomes we desire for children. Our curriculum is influenced through Aistear, The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education.

The curriculum in our Centre, which is everything we do with the children, both planned and unplanned, is designed to meet our aims and objectives by:

• Providing each child with a variety of physical environments, toys, materials, situations, and a planned programme of activities.

• Encouraging the growth and development of self-esteem in each child as an individual, as a member of a family and as a member of a peer group, through exposure to the warm and trusting environment of the centre.

• Providing the opportunity for self-expression through the development of language and reasoning skills.

• Recognizing that young children learn most effectively when they are actively involved in hands on experiences and that their learning is motivated by curiosity and interest.

• Respecting that each child is different.

This form of curriculum requires that staff act as facilitators, having a good understanding of how children grow and develop.  The programme and routine are set out in such a way that all developmental areas are respected and responded to within a group and individual manner. Therefore, the planning of a well-organised program of activities ensures that the children get a good start in terms of assisting them to explore and learn about their world. All children are treated with care and respect, which in turn helps them to develop caring attitudes towards others.