DCEDIY CCC CPD – STEM, the Arts and Starcatchers
In November 2023, the DCEDIY Quality Unit hosted a CPD event for CCC staff. Linda and Catriona attended and participated in Workshops and Information Sessions on
STEM and the Arts (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), delivered by Nicola O’Reilly and Sandra O’Neill of DCU.
They explored how STEM provides intellectual support, by developing reasoning, hypothesis, predicting and understanding as well as overarching skills such as observation, questioning, sharing, curiosity, speculation, and discussion. Sandra and Nicola linked STEM to the EYEI Inspection Outcomes 8, 10 and 15.
“STEAM Habits of Mind are the ways of thinking that children can develop by inventing, investigating, exploring, and experimenting. Curiosity, persistence, and creativity are nurtured when children explore the world around them. Encouraging children to ask questions, make observations, predict outcomes, and describe results builds these foundational ways of thinking” The Boston Children’s Museum.
For further reading on all things STEM and ideas on incorporating into your current curriculum, see
Irish STEM Education Policy
Hungry for more: early childhood educators’ perspectives on STEM education, teaching and professional development Research Paper
Early Math Ideas
Erikson Institute Professional Development Info, links, project ideas
The Boston Children’s Museum
STEM Network Ireland Early Childhood – Open for new members
Starcatchers – Scotland Arts and the Early Years Organisation, delivered by Rhona Matheson, CEO.
Rhona provided an overview of the work of Starcatchers and in particular their ‘Creative Skills Programme’ a government funded CPD for the Early Years Sector. In 2020 this programme went online and is self-paced. She welcomed all Irish Educators to access their online courses, podcasts and downloadable resources available on their website. It really is an amazing resource for arts in the early years, designed to inspire and support the sector. See also the Resources section of their website at this link
The DCEDIY provided updates on Arts in Early Years and its basis in the First Five Implementation Plan 2023-25, including the newly devised ‘Working Principles for Engaging with the Arts in Early Learning and Care’ as well as the impending Childminding Regulations and Registration, including Childminder focused qualifications and CPD.
