Service Providers, Childminders

Advancing and leading sustainability and emotional wellbeing

Service providers in Ireland can access a variety of Eco-Emotions resources to introduce to their educators. These collaborative resources are designed to support Early Years and School Age care by promoting emotional wellbeing and environmental awareness.

Collaborative leadership strategies and resources

Ongoing professional development +

The inspiring pedagogy space on Early Childhood Ireland’s learning hub provides reflective learning courses that cover all facets of pedagogical practice. This space promotes a culture of continuous dialogue and workshops, encouraging educators to share their experiences and create new provocations based on the interests and emotional responses of the children in their care. It's important to allocate time and space for educators to access these learning courses, as well as to facilitate reflection and discussion during staff meetings.

Promoting sustainability in your business +

Brainstorm ways to enhance the sustainability of your business and identify the necessary structures to achieve this goal. Consider developing your own sustainability audit or utilising a recognised auditing tool to evaluate your current practices and ensure they align with sustainability principles. Additionally, invite local businesses/parents to engage in discussions or participate in discussions with the children, focusing on the changes they have implemented to promote sustainability..

Sustainable menu planning +

Encourage chefs and the team to engage in sustainable menu planning that focuses on reducing food waste while promoting healthy meals.

Parental engagement resources +

Provide tools and materials aimed at involving families in discussions about emotions and the environment. This initiative will help educators promote a holistic approach that engages the broader community in these important conversations.

Research and evidence-based practices +

Offer provocations for educators to access research articles and publications that highlight the significance of emotional development and environmental awareness, equipping them with essential knowledge to enhance their practices

Community of Practice +

Encourage participation in forums and networks where educators can share their experiences, resources, and best practices relevant to Eco-Emotions initiatives. Establish a local community of practice by collaborating with other educators in the area, using different services as rotating venues for meetings.

Click on tab below  to go straight to the inspiring pedagogy space on Early Childhood Ireland’s learning hub


Provocations

Create a process for educators to understand and implement provocations, supporting them  to document and discuss the children’s reactions. This reflective practice can help refine future activities and deepen understanding of children's emotional and environmental perspectives

Storybooks and literature resources

Collaborate with educators to collect a selection of storybooks and literature that explore themes of emotion and nature. This selection can stimulate discussions centered around feelings, empathy, and environmental stewardship. Consider partnering with local libraries to access these materials.

Curriculum frameworks

Integration of Eco-Emotions principles into existing frameworks, like Síolta and Aistear, to facilitate the seamless incorporation of emotional and environmental learning in everyday practice.

Promoting recycling and sustainable gardening

Encourage children to recycle their snack waste by inviting parents and grandparents to help build a compost bin using recycled materials, which can be integrated into your gardening activities. Explain to children about how composting contributes to soil nutrition while discussing various types of waste—including food and plastic. Additionally, create an edible garden where children can explore and taste different foods.

This video outlines the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations aimed at eradicating poverty, safeguarding the planet, and fostering prosperity for everyone by 2030. It is a valuable resource that makes the SDGs engaging and accessible. #SDG courtesy of Smile and Learn.com.

IUCN Green List