This research measures the quality of care and education across a range of practical, professional and pedagogical indicators in Irish Pre-schools. The research has been conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Survey data gathered used a combined existing American Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale ECERS-R and Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale - Extension ECERS - E Similar data from research conducted in the UK is used for comparative analysis. The findings are analyzed from a post-modern pedagogical perspective also known as Relational Pedagogy, popularized in the Reggio Emilia approach and also in use in the Nordic countries. More qualitative data is drawn from a series of interviews with ECCE Practitioners. The theoretical framework that guides the qualitative enquiry is inspired by the feminist political thought of the German philosopher Hannah Arendt. Themes of Labor Work and the Political Active Life of Practitioners are examined.
The quality Early Years Care & Education (ECCE ) in the Republic of Ireland