The Irish early childhood education framework, Aistear, has been updated for the first time since 2009. The revised framework, set to take effect in 2025, places greater emphasis on creativity, arts, literacy, numeracy, and STEM education, while promoting the use of the Irish language.

Aistear, the Irish word for journey, was Ireland’s first curriculum framework for early childhood education when it was introduced in 2009. This is the first update since then and it will come into effect in September 2025. The updated Aistear is for all children from birth to six years in all settings other than primary and special schools. It can be used by anyone who supports babies, toddlers and young children’s learning and development such as parents, childminders and early years educators.  

One of the key changes in the updated Aistear is that words, phrases and proverbs “as Gaeilge” are embedded throughout to promote their use by educators as they interact with babies, toddlers and young children every day. 

Greater emphasis has also been placed on experiences that support children’s creativity and their engagement with the arts, emergent literacy and numeracy, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For example, babies, toddlers and young children will be supported to be creative and take the initiative to explore, respond to and express themselves through art, drama, dance or music. 

For more information: https://curriculumonline.ie/early-childhood/ 

Source: Eurydice Unit Ireland