Looking Back, Looking Forward Conference: Celebrating 25 Years of Early Years at UCC

10 Mar 2023

The conference which took place on the 10^th of March showcased the integrated and holistic nature of the Early Years and Childhood Studies degree and research in early childhood at UCC which positively contributes to early learning, well-being and development in the present and into the future.

There were two keynote speakers - Associate Professor Geraldine French of DCU who focused on a literature review for Aistear and Dr Máire Mhic Mháthuma who focused on beginning, being and becoming: developments in early years education and care over the last 25 years and beyond.  Panel sessions included: Creative, participatory and inclusive practice in early years; early intervention in diverse contexts; exploring early childcare educators’ perspectives on supporting music for children in early years setting; young Knocknaheeny; P4Play; early years practice in Lesotho; early years participation literature review; migrant children; young children’s wellbeing; early years practice; wellbeing; early years sector overview; neuroscience in early years; transitions; resilience in early childhood; Froebel research.  This conference was aimed at early years providers, academics/researchers, graduates and current students of the B.A.(EYCS) at UCC.