Written Answers. - Pre-School Facilities.
Micheál Martin
Question:
23
Mr. Martin
asked the
Minister for Education
the reason she has so far refused to allow AMI-trained Montessori teachers to apply for teaching positions in the early start programme in view of their specific and recognised qualifications in this field.
[2611/95]
Michael McDowell
Question:
34
Mr. M. McDowell
asked the
Minister for Education
the plans, if any, her Department has to extend and improve the early start programme, with particular reference to the voluntary and community sector.
[2603/95]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:
52
Kathleen Lynch
asked the
Minister for Education
the plans, if any, she has with regard to the expansion of pre-school facilities during 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[2541/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 34 and 52 together.
I recently announced my intention to expand the pre-school programme by the establishment of a further 25 pre-schools in the current year. This will bring the total number of pre-schools in place to 32. The objective of the early start pre-school initiative is to provide young children with an educational programme which will enhance their overall development and lay a foundation for successful attainment in future years.
The service is being targeted on areas of particular disadvantage. In the case of each area selected, the intention is that the pre-school project will serve children from the catchment area of the school in which the project is based.
I am fully aware of the important role played by voluntary and community groups in providing for pre-school children. It is not intended that the pre-schools should in any way undermine this valuable work. Indeed, I consider that the new pre-school programme will complement existing activities in this area.
The early start pre-schools are being developed as an integral part of the primary schools in which they are based. The teachers involved are on the general staff of the schools concerned and must therefore be fully qualified primary teachers who can be deployed throughout the school in question. For that reason teachers, who have a Montessori qualification only, are not eligible for employment as teachers in the early start programme as it is established at present.
I have just announced the appointment of a monitoring committee to monitor the project and to advise on future developments in this area.
The terms of reference of the new monitoring committee will be — to monitor the operation of the early start pre-school project — to advise on the future development of the project — to consider the evaluators' reports and provide advice on their implications — to advise on alternative models of pre-school provision in designated areas of disadvantage — to advise on ways in which parental involvement in the children's learning can be developed.
The committee will liaise with the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, which is currently evaluating the project.
I have appointed Dr. Anne McKenna of the Department of Psychology, University College Dublin to chair the committee.
The membership of the committee will be nominated representatives of the pre-schools involved in the project, the partners in education and other relevant agencies.
