The Aistear Framework
ClapHandies follows the Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
A journey of discovery
ClapHandies is committed to providing high-quality early learning to babies and toddlers. As part of that commitment, we've developed the PlayLabs following the Aistear principles.
First published in 2009, Aistear was designed to guide early childhood educators in providing meaningful learning experiences from birth to six years of age.
Meaning “journey” or “pathway,” Aistear reflects the idea that early childhood is a journey of discovery — where we learn best through play, exploration and social interaction.
It's a flexible, adaptable framework that promotes a holistic approach to development — cognitive, social, emotional and physical — celebrating early childhood as a time of being, enjoying and learning from experiences as they unfold.
12 principles, 3 groups
Aistear is built on twelve principles of early learning and development, organised into three groups. Each comes with a short explanation, followed by statements written from a child's perspective.
Children and their lives in early childhood
Recognising each child as a capable, competent learner, and early childhood as a valuable time of being, enjoying and learning.
Children's connections with others
Valuing the relationships, families and communities that shape a child’s sense of who they are and where they belong.
How children learn and develop
Understanding that little ones learn best through play, exploration, active involvement and warm, responsive interactions.
Four learning themes
Aistear uses four interconnected themes to describe what children learn — their dispositions, attitudes and values, skills, knowledge and understanding. Each includes aims and broad learning goals.
Wellbeing
Feeling happy, healthy, secure and confident — the foundation for everything else.
Identity and belonging
Developing a positive sense of who they are, and feeling valued as part of a family and community.
Communicating
Sharing experiences, thoughts, ideas and feelings with growing confidence and enjoyment.
Exploring and thinking
Making sense of the world around them through curiosity, discovery and hands-on play.
Join us next term (or a future term)
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