Aistear Framework

ClapHandies is committed to providing high-quality education to babies and toddlers. As part of this commitment, we’ve developed the PlayLabs following the Aistear principles.

First published in 2009, Aistear was designed to guide early childhood educators in providing meaningful learning experiences from birth to six years of age.

Meaning “journey” or “pathway,” Aistear reflects the idea that early childhood is a journey of discovery where we learn best through play, exploration, and social interaction. 

Aistear is a flexible and adaptable framework that promotes a holistic approach to education and development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.

It celebrates early childhood as a time of being, enjoying and learning from experiences as they unfold.

There are 12 principles in 3 groups:

- Children and their lives in early childhood

- Children’s connections with others

- How children learn and develop

With each principle there's a short explanation followed by statements from a child’s perspective. The framework uses the following themes to describe children’s learning and development:

- Wellbeing

- Identity and belonging

- Communicating

- Exploring and thinking

They describe what children learn—the dispositions, attitudes and values, skills, knowledge and understanding. Each one includes aims and broad learning goals. 

See here for more information on Aistear and the curriculum.