From Castlebar - County Mayo -

Ken Wright
HSE Early Childcare Services High/Scope Initiative.
By Ken Wright
16, Jun 2009 - 18:46

More than 100 Early Years Practitioners, trainers and development workers from all over the county gathered at the recent launch of the HSE Early Childcare Services High/Scope Initiative.

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Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport ,a group of practitioners who were presented with certificates in High Scope training, front l-r; Bernadette Needham Louisburg Childcare Ltd, Teresa O’Malley Louisburg Childcare Ltd, Elaine Sterrit Trainer High Scope Ireland, Laura Clarke, Childcare practitioner Ballina. Back L-R; Julie Connolly, McConville Park Pre school Westport, Michelle Walsh St. Tiernans Community Playschool Crossmolina, Jenny Bernard, HSE, Kay O’Malley, Ballinrobe Community Playgroup, Breda Melvin, The Haven Community Playschool Ballina. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.



Thirty eight practitioners had successfully completed the training programme, implementing the High/Scope Approach, and were presented with their certificates by Elaine Sterrit and Bridgeen Irwin from High/Scope Ireland. A further 61 early years practitioners are currently being trained in High/Scope by the HSE Early Years Development Workers.

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Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport, l-r; Elaine Sterrit, High Scope Ireland, Jenny Bernard, HSE, Nancy Flynn-McFadden HSE, Laura McNally, HSE, Paul Murphy, HSE, Joanne Docherty, HSE, Trina McGinty, HSE, Bridgeen Irwin, High Scope Ireland. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.



The launch was hosted by the Woodland Park Pre-School who operate their High/Scope setting in the former Christian Brothers National School in Westport and the McConville Park Community Playgroup who provided the venue for the speeches and presentation of certificates.

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Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport, a group of practitioners who were presented with certificates in High Scope training, l-r; Laura Clarke, Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ballina, Tina Boland, Pamela Greavy and Mary Gaughan. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.



Speaking at the launch Jenny Bernard HSE Early Childcare Services Manager confirmed the importance of an approach like High/Scope in ensuring high quality experiences for young children. The High/Scope approach is rooted in children’s rights and needs and provides an early education opportunity with proven long term benefits for the children who attend.

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Pictured at the launch of the High Scope initiative held in Westport, a group of practitioners who were presented with certificates in High Scope training front l-r; Ann Lyons, Ballyhaunis Preschool for Travellers, Marian Robinson, Tots to Teens Tooreen, Bridgeen Irwin, High Scope Endorsed Trainer, Margaret Cunnane, Tots to Teens Tooreen. Back L-R: Mary O’Hara Gavin, HSE, Kate Keane, Robeen Community Group, Bernadette Collins, Ballinrobe Community Playgroup, Jenny Bernard, HSE, Mary Casey, Killawalla Community Playgroup, Martina Kilcoyne, Louisburg Childcare Ltd. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2009.





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