15/01/2018
€3.2m Secured For Pre-School Supports For Children With Disabilities
Funding of €3.2 million has been announced for the latest addition to the suite of pre-school supports for children with a disability provided under the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM).
AIM Inclusive Play is a set of resources to support inclusive practice within pre-school settings. These resources, which include equipment, toys and materials, also support the development of coordination and audio, visual and tactile skills among all children, and in particular, children with a disability.
AIM Inclusive Play will include a dark den, therapy putty, sand timers and kinetic sand, among a range of other resources.
From February 2018, AIM Inclusive Play will be distributed to more than 6,000 pre-school rooms delivering the ECCE Programme across more than 4,000 pre-school settings nationally.
Welcoming the news, the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said: "I am delighted to announce this important addition to the suite of pre-school supports for children with a disability.
"AIM Inclusive Play reinforces an important message – that children's play is a vital ingredient of childhood, essential for both growth and learning and an integral element of high quality pre-school provision.
"This initiative is another important step in our efforts to create more inclusive pre-school settings where each child is welcomed and included on equal terms and can progress to his or her full potential."
The contract to develop AIM Inclusive Play was awarded to Learning Space (Belfast) Limited in November last year following a competitive tendering process.
(MH/LM)
AIM Inclusive Play is a set of resources to support inclusive practice within pre-school settings. These resources, which include equipment, toys and materials, also support the development of coordination and audio, visual and tactile skills among all children, and in particular, children with a disability.
AIM Inclusive Play will include a dark den, therapy putty, sand timers and kinetic sand, among a range of other resources.
From February 2018, AIM Inclusive Play will be distributed to more than 6,000 pre-school rooms delivering the ECCE Programme across more than 4,000 pre-school settings nationally.
Welcoming the news, the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said: "I am delighted to announce this important addition to the suite of pre-school supports for children with a disability.
"AIM Inclusive Play reinforces an important message – that children's play is a vital ingredient of childhood, essential for both growth and learning and an integral element of high quality pre-school provision.
"This initiative is another important step in our efforts to create more inclusive pre-school settings where each child is welcomed and included on equal terms and can progress to his or her full potential."
The contract to develop AIM Inclusive Play was awarded to Learning Space (Belfast) Limited in November last year following a competitive tendering process.
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 August 2016
Many Students With Disabilities Denied SNA Support For Second Year
Concerns have been raised after many students with complex needs have been denied the support of an SNA for a second year. Fianna Fáil has written to he Education Minister calling for support for children with disabilities to enter into a 2nd ECCE preschool year. Fianna Fail Darragh O'Brien TD described the situation as "appalling".
Many Students With Disabilities Denied SNA Support For Second Year
Concerns have been raised after many students with complex needs have been denied the support of an SNA for a second year. Fianna Fáil has written to he Education Minister calling for support for children with disabilities to enter into a 2nd ECCE preschool year. Fianna Fail Darragh O'Brien TD described the situation as "appalling".
16 October 2015
Govt Accused Of 'Misleading Parents' In Budget 2016
The government has been accused of "misleading many parents into believing their young children will receive a second free year of preschool as a result of Budget 2016". Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Children Robert Troy said that this belief is "far from the truth".
Govt Accused Of 'Misleading Parents' In Budget 2016
The government has been accused of "misleading many parents into believing their young children will receive a second free year of preschool as a result of Budget 2016". Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Children Robert Troy said that this belief is "far from the truth".
06 August 2014
Preschool Assistance Subsidy Secure - HSE
The preschool assistance subsidy, which supports children with disabilities, is to continue, the Health Service Executive has confirmed. Welcoming the news, Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, said he is "relieved", adding: "The scheme supports children with a disability who are in pre-school.
Preschool Assistance Subsidy Secure - HSE
The preschool assistance subsidy, which supports children with disabilities, is to continue, the Health Service Executive has confirmed. Welcoming the news, Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, said he is "relieved", adding: "The scheme supports children with a disability who are in pre-school.
16 February 2015
National Discussion Needed On Access To Childcare
Ensuring the maximum number of families have access to high-quality childcare and education "is essential", Fine Gael said. The party's chairperson and TD for Limerick has called for a 'national discussion' on the issue.
National Discussion Needed On Access To Childcare
Ensuring the maximum number of families have access to high-quality childcare and education "is essential", Fine Gael said. The party's chairperson and TD for Limerick has called for a 'national discussion' on the issue.
11 February 2016
Funding Secured For Early Years Services
Capital funding of €4 million has been secured for Early Years services in 2016, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly has announced. "In Budget 2016 we significantly expanded funding to make more affordable childcare more available to more people.
Funding Secured For Early Years Services
Capital funding of €4 million has been secured for Early Years services in 2016, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly has announced. "In Budget 2016 we significantly expanded funding to make more affordable childcare more available to more people.