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KCCC
News
Summer 2008
Tir na nÓg Athy
New Ideas from Italy
Italian Inspiration for an Athy Centre of Excellece
Kathleen Cash, Private Service Provider representative in KCCC has just returned from a trip to Italy where she had the opportunity to travel with a group of Irish childcare providers to research and explore the pedagogy of the Reggio Emilie approach, a world renowed regonised childcare practice. Kathleen is currently implementing new ideas and theories as a result of her trip. Kathleen enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with the wider community and she is involved at several different
business levels. As well as her membership of Kildare County Childcare Committee, she is actively involved in Athy Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Kildare Enterprise Women’s Network.
Tir na nÓg began as a small concern in 1996 but soon saw the growing needs in Athy for a professional childcare service to meet the changing and growing needs of families and communities in the area. Tir na nÓg celebrated their 10th anniversary two years ago and were delighted to have then Minister for Children Brian Lenihan to make their opening speech.In recognition of the high standard of care and education of the children, Tir na nÓg has been the recipient of three All Ireland Centre of Excellence Awards and they have also been recognised as a Certified Montessori Environment.
Kathleen was delighted to accept this award on behalf of the staff team of 11 who travelled to Dublin along with other supporters. Tir na nÓg were delighted to receive the award as there are few services in Ireland which can claim three consecutive awards.