Early Childhood Education

UDL is a relatively new concept in Irish early childhood education, though its principles align closely with those of the Aistear Framework (NCCA, 2009), which employs broad learning goals and emphasises play-based, child-centred learning. The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), launched in 2016, has introduced universal design principles into early childhood settings, providing a tiered model of support that prioritises universal, inclusive practice as the first line of response to diversity. The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design has developed specific Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings.