New childcare text that positions diversity and equality as an integral part of early childhood care and education for students, trainers and practitioners in Ireland.

Presents up-to-date examples of innovative practice, developed by the eist project, the Equality & Diversity Early Childhood National Network (EDeNn), and gathered from early childhood settings and learners in Ireland. Examples and cases framed by theoretical considerations and insights into international work. Supports the implementation of Siolta (2006), Aistear (2009) and the Diversity and Equality Guidelines for Childcare Providers (2006 OMC) with particular focus on identity and belonging and anti-discriminatory practice. Divided into four sections: Diversity is real - and so is exclusion: Presents a framework for what adults need to know to proactively address diversity beyond culture, and contextualises children's stories in legislation, policy and practice. (Re)thinking early childhood care and education Offers several theoretical perspectives on diversity and equality in early childhood. Walking the walk: insights into Irish ECCE practice, with specific reference to diversity and equality Provides insights into existing and innovative practices in the Irish ECCE sector, demonstrating that change for adults and children is possible. Roadmap to equality: conclusions and recommendations for policy, professional development and practice in the Irish ECCE sector Draws on the discussions, examples and insights of the previous sections and proposes recommendations for steps to be taken by policy-makers, trainers, educators and practitioners in early childhood settings and services in Ireland.

• Supports the implementation of Siolta (2006), Aistear (2009) and the Diversity and Equality Guidelines for Childcare Providers (2006 OMC), with particular focus on identity and belonging and anti-discriminatory practice.
  
• Provides up-to-date examples of innovative practice developed by the eist project and the Equality & Diversity Early Childhood National Network (EDeNn), and gathered from early childhood settings and learners in Ireland.
  
• Presented in four sections:
• • Diversity is real - and so is exclusion
    Introduces a framework that can be used to address diversity beyond culture, and contextualises children's stories in legislation, policy and practice.
    
  • Re-thinking Early Childhood Education and Care
    Offers several theoretical perspectives on diversity and equality in early childhood.
    
  • Voices from the sector
    Provides insight into existing and innovative practices in the Irish ECEC sector, while demonstrating that change for adults and children is possible.
    
  • Roadmap to equality
    Proposes recommendations for steps to be taken by policy-makers, trainers, educators and practitioners in early childhood settings and services in Ireland.

WRITTEN FOR:

• Childcare courses at FETAC Level 6
• Early childhood education courses at degree level
• Montessori courses
• Primary teacher education courses
• Social care courses