The Early Childhood Programme and 'éist'

The Early Childhood Programme is an integral part of work in Pavee Point in promoting the needs and rights of the Traveller child. Over the past six years Pavee Point has taken a leadership role in promoting diversity awareness and training in the early childhood sector in Ireland. In particuar the 'éist' project over the past three years has laid the groundwork for mainstreaming equality and diversity training.

A Diversity and Equality training approach has been successfully developed tested and promoted across the sector. Key stakeholders including policy makers, academics, trainers, county and city childcare committees, providers and representative national organisations have been consulted and engaged in the development of this process. In 2004 a diversity and equality training manual 'Ar an mBealach' which means 'On the Way' was published. The project is currently engaged in a consultation process to promote the mainstreaming of the training approach within the ECCE sector in Ireland.

The Early Childhood Programme is involved in the development of early childhood resources and in ongoing advocacy work in realtion to the Traveller child.