The following topics will be discussed:
- An historical overview - the development of pre-school education - relevant legislation and key players. Video - "An invitation to play" Wales PPA Cymru.
- Different forms of pre-school provision, voluntary, statutory and private. Differences in style, emphasis and organisation, parental involvement and provision for special needs.
- The Desirable Outcomes and the Early Learning Goals - the implications for the Early Years Programme.
- The organisation of a pre-school session, free and structured play activities needed to meet different ages, stages, background and experience of the children, the ratio of, and role of adults, involving the community.
- The development of early literacy - linguistic development and the use of language, books, rhymes and stories, early reading and early writing experiences.
- The development of the child's understanding of the world - recognising features of the local environment, distinctions between past and present, communicating their findings by various means such as talk, pictures or simple charts and designing, making and using assembled materials and components.
- The infant curriculum - with reference to the National Curriculum Criteria. The relevance of the integrated approach to enhance learning, developing attitudes, skills and concepts.
- Preparation for pre-school visit, simple observation of children at play - talking and relating to young children and contributing to the play situation.
- Establishing links with supporting agencies e.g. NSPCC, Chidl Welfare, social services, child psychologist, working in partnership as specified by the Children Act of 1989.
- Focusing on the Code of Practice - catering for the child with special needs, physical, emotional and intellectual within pre-school settings, mainstream classrooms and special units/schools. An examination of resources, classroom organisations and the relevant sections of the National Curriculum.
The following aspects will be targeted in seminars:
- Getting to know one another - recalling own pre-school experiences.
- Exploring the characteristics of an effective infants' teacher.
- Catering for children with special needs.