Completely revised and updated edition of this well-established textbook, which details all recent changes in Government policy and legislation within the area of childcare. *New to this edition: * Describes the implementation of Aistear, the NCCA curriculum framework for children from birth to six years * Introduces Siolta, the quality assurance framework, which establishes the quality standards for the early childhood sector * Includes essential information relevant to the Irish childcare situation * Provides a strong and integrated focus on policies, laws and services within the context of Irish childcare * Diversity is a central theme again throughout this new edition * Contains class exercises in the form of case studies, scenarios, activities and discussion topics in all sections WRITTEN FOR - FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Childcare - FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Community and Health Services - CACHE, BTEC and City & Guilds qualifications in early years work - FETAC Level 6 Certificate in Childcare