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Investing, Sustaining and Supporting Early Childhood Services..... writing Ireland's future success story
Building a better society through working together to support children, families and Early Childhood services The Border Counties Childcare Network invites you to participate in their forthcoming ‘Open-Space’ Conference
1st and 2nd June 2004
The Landmark Hotel Carrick on Shannon Co. Leitrim
"The decisions made by government need to be based not only on the evidence of research, the views of particular pressure groups, or those of experienced pragmatists in the field. They must also be based on arguments concerning the values espoused by society, which claims to care about its children and to require a highly educated workforce for the future. To fulfil questions about the implications of those values, policy makers, parents and practitioners need opportunities to reflect on and discuss the place of the young child in European society, concepts of childhood and the real worlds of childhood inhabited by all our children” T. David.(1993) Educational Provision for our youngest children, European Perspectives Background to the Conference The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has played a major role over the last four years in supporting the development of Childcare services. This has lead to the substantial provision of resources which has resulted in
This rapid growth has taken place in a short period of time and has been assisted by staff from Area Development Management (ADM) in addition to staff and members from a broad range of other agencies engaged in supporting the development of Childcare and Early Education Services at national, regional and local levels. The BCCN would like to invite representatives from the key stakeholder groups to take time out to acknowledge, celebrate and reflect on the major changes that have taken place to date. Through this Open Space Conference it is hoped there will be many opportunities to discuss and agree the next steps to be taken to promote the future development of Early Childhood services.
Who are the key stakeholders that should attend Policy makers within key Government Departments Co-coordinators/Development staff/ representatives of all County Childcare Committees, Childminding Advisory Officers National Voluntary Childcare Organisations, Regional and local Networks Service providers delivering Pre-School, Daycare, Childminding and After School services Health Board staff involved in Pre- School Services, Family Support, Health Promotion, Child Protection, Children’s Disability services VEC,s, FAS, IT Colleges delivering Childcare and Early Education programmes, Trainers, FETAC, HETAC, NQAI Area Based Partnerships, County Development Boards, Trade Unions, County Enterprise Boards, Employer Groups Representatives from Equality and Diversity, Disability, Children’s advocacy, Youth, Traveller Representatives form Dail na Nog Groups Public Representatives Representatives from any group interested in Children, Parents, Early Childhood Services and creating a better society.
Taking time out over the two days to participate in this inter-active forum will provide you and many others with the opportunity to have a say in improving the future development of Early Childhood services .
Why are Early Childhood services so important? Quality Early Childhood services give children the best start in life. All children have a right to a good start in life. Equality of opportunity is a fundamental principle of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Quality Early Childhood Services support families, promote children’s health, well being, education, learning and development.
Creating a common vision, framework and timeframe to support families and the development of Early Childhood services In order to make progress for the future we need to:
Using Open Space Conferencing Passion with responsibility The conference will depart from the usual speaker/seminar format with the exception of two short but important presentations that will stimulate delegates thinking and provide useful information. In using open space technology all delegates will have the opportunity to participate in an open forum for the presentation and discussion of the major themes identified by those present over the two days. It is vital that delegates take time out to attend both days and booking priority will be given to those who can attend for the full Conference. Numbers will be limited Many working within the Early Childhood sector are passionate about issues affecting its development. Attending and participating in the Conference will enable you to use your passion in a meaningful and responsible way. Those perhaps less passionate but also working to support the development of the services will also have an opportunity to listen, be heard and inform developments. If you really wish to participate, be informed, and influence the discussion and outcomes of the conference then please come for both days .Your ideas and recommendations will be used in a more effective way. For further information on Open Space Technology and conferencing, visit the following web site.
Programme Day one. 1st June 2004 11.30 Registration Tea /Coffee Scones 12.00 Welcome, official opening, setting the scene for the two days 12.15 First Presentation. Arlene Foster NCCA 12.30 Second Presentation Stephen Bourke, Director of the Daycare Trust in the UK 13.00 Open Space Conferencing, Introductions and agenda setting Conference facilitators Rita Burtenshaw and Caroline Mc Camley 13.30 – 1730 Workshops 17.30 -18.00 Plenary Tea /coffee sandwiches will be served throughout both day. Dinner will be served at 8.30 pm on day 1 Programme Day two. 2nd June 2004 10.00 Opening plenary 10.15 -14.30 Workshops continue 14.30 –15. 00 Final Plenary N.B.: The cost per delegate for the 2 days including meals and refreshments is €135
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This project is funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union Structural Funds under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and by the North Eastern and North Western Health Boards.
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