Early Years International Conference and AGM 2008

Thursday 12th June 2008

Field Visits

Park Community Playgroup

Park Community Playgroup is situated in the village of Park Co Derry and has been offering pre school provision since 1989. Park Community Playgroup uses the High/Scope approach to children's learning. The playgroup has held High/Scope Ireland Accreditation since 2002 an award that acknowledges the quality of education and care in this group. All 4 members of the staff team are highly qualified with qualifications ranging from BA Hons Education to NVQ level 3 and all have completed High/Scope Ireland Implementation courses." This visit will focus on the delivery of High/Scope. The visit is directed by Jacqueline Brady.

St. Mary's Pre School Centre – Cloghcor

St. Mary's Pre-school Centre is rurally located in a classroom within St. Mary's Primary School in Cloghcor, Co. Tyrone. The Centre provides a high standard preschool education through Play for 24 children on a daily basis. ll staff are highly skilled, the Leader to Degree level (BA Ed Early Childhood Studies). The Centre puts a huge emphasis on children's creative ability and have been involved in the Joint Early Years Arts Council (Early Years the organisation for young children) and (The Arts Council) for two years. This visit will focus on the delivery of high quality pre-school curriculum. The visit is directed by Anna Marie Roddy.

Pennyburn Community Playgroup

Pennyburn Community Playgroup was founded 29 years ago (1979), and has operated in the Pennyburn district of Derry and the surrounding areas. We operate two sessions per day with 24 children in each session, alongside a parent and toddler group one morning a week. The playgroup is managed by a voluntary management committee made up of parents and long standing committee members and members of the community, the group receive no state funding and are totally committed to fundraising efforts to ensure the long term sustainability of the group. This visit will focus on sustainability and building long-term voluntary commitment. The visit is directed by Helen Brady.