Frequently Asked Questions
Answers You Need
Do you have a question about our services or experiences? Here are some of our frequently asked questions and their answers. Feel free to call us or send us an email for more information.
What is the ECCE grant?
The Early Care and Education Grant is a grant that is available to all parents of preschool children from the ages of 2 years and 8 months from the September they start until they reach 5 years and 6 months. We will carry out all the work associated with obtaining this free place for your child, including the paperwork associated with this once you provide your child’s PPS number to us.
What is Highscope?
Highscope is a curriculum underpinned by child development and theories that allow children to grow and to develop to their highest potential, using play as the medium to achieve this.
Highscope is a hands-on approach that encourages active learning. Children use all of their senses to experience new sights and sounds.
What are the benefits of a Highscope curriculum?
In Highscope, children learn:
Sense of self
Social relations
Creative representations
Language and literacy
Movement
Music
Seriation
Numbers
Space
Time
Why should I choose Highscope?
While Highscope emphasizes problem solving skills to help children increase their confidence as they make choices, Montessori offers a more disciplined and strict environment to teach more traditional subjects.
If you want your child to learn to collaborate with their schoolmates, develop their creativity and imagination and learn the fine art of problem-solving, then a Highscope curriculum is likely for you.
I hear "Aistear certified" a lot - what does that mean?
Aistear is the Irish word for Journey and is the National Curriculum Framework in Ireland. Castlelawn Preschool incorporates this in a professional manner by adhering to its child friendly themes alongside the High Scope Curriculum
Can I visit the school before enrolling?
Absolutely - we encourage all newcomers to make an appointment to come and visit the school and to bring your child with you. Its important you and they get to know our school from the very start and we welcome every opportunity to introduce you to Castlelawn Preschool.