Introduction of my Contact

My contact, Iris Berger, is from Ireland, a grad student and is associated with the Early Childhood Ireland organization. She has referred me to several different resources which contain a wealth of information. She stated that the main issue in early childhood education is the same in Ireland as it is in the United States, to provide quality early childhood programs for every child. Child outcomes is an important issue in Ireland, just as in the states. Stress and its effects on children is another similar issue. A major study was released on November 4, 2013. "STRESS, depression and money problems endured by thousands of Irish families can affect babies as young as nine months old and harm their development." (Melia, 2013)

According to the Early Childhood Ireland website:

                "Early Childhood Ireland believes that the twin aims of training in early childhood care and education are to:

1. enrich the daily experiences of children and families availing of childcare services
2. to support professional development of the childcare workforce

We aim to ensure that those working with children have the best possible training, qualifications, support and advice." (Early Childhood, 2013)

One of the most important issues we have discussed is the recent change regarding children's rights. On November 10, 2013, a referendum was passed. The following is a quote from the website,

" Children’s Rights Referendum

November 10th was a very important and historic day for children in Ireland. It was the day on which the Irish public voted to change the constitution on children’s rights.

(The full wording of the referendum question can be found on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs’ website.)

What the Referendum Changes Mean for Children in Ireland

It is important to be aware of what has been achieved through the Children’s Rights Referendum being passed. Below we have provided you with a summary of the key issues dealt with in the referendum, as well as an outline of what these changes mean for children in practice.

Children Have Rights The new wording recognizes that all children have rights and that these rights need to be protected and supported by the State.

  Article 42.A1 The State recognizes and affirms the natural and imperceptible rights of all children and shall, as far as practicable, by its laws protect and

vindicate those rights

   

Protecting Children Children have a right to be protected against harm and to be kept safe.Sometimes a child’s parents may not provide enough care to keep them safe, and the State may have to intervene and offer support to families at an early stage, and in some exceptional cases offer alternative caregivers for the children. 

  Article 42A.2 The Amendment puts the best interests of children at the centre of decision-making in these cases. As State intervention will continue to be an exceptional measure, there is continued recognition that the best place for children is with their parents. Any intervention or support will always be proportionate to the risk facing the child. This means that a child is only removed from his or her parents where no other appropriate action can be taken which will protect the child’s safety and welfare in the home 

   

Best Interests of the Child Children’s best interests shall be of the utmost importance when critical decisions are being made about the protection, welfare and care of the child. 

  Article 42A.4 commits the Oireachtas to legislate to provide that the views of the child are heard and taken into account in court proceedings affecting them. It does not mean that the child’s views will be the determining factor in the case, but that child’s views will be considered by the judge and given due weight according to the child’s age and maturity.

   

Listening to Children Children have the right to be listened to, and to be active participants in their lives. The views of the child must be heard and taken into account.

  Article 42A.4.2 requires that the views of the child are heard when key decisions are made about their lives in court proceedings. Strengthening children’s right’s in the Constitution is an indication that children deserve to be listened to and to have a say in their lives."

This is very important for the children of Ireland, according to Ms. Berger. And I feel that future exchanges between the two of us will be beneficial for both of us. 

http://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/policy-advocacy-and-research/every-child-has-rights/childrens-rights-referendum/

Melia, Paul (2013) Babies feel parent's stress. Retrieved from http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/babies-feel-parents-stress-29724003.html