Dedicated Speech and Language Therapy Service recommended for disadvantaged areas

November 15, 2012: The report found that a dedicated speech and language service would enable more children to receive the intervention earlier which would help to remove or reduce a significant disadvantage from them before starting school. The Report was launched by the Childhood Development Initiative which has co-ordinated research and evaluation of early intervention and […]


Programme identifies how to improve children’s literacy in disadvantaged communities

November 6, 2012: A major research programme has identified an effective approach to improve children’s literacy in disadvantaged communities – and recommended this approach become available to other communities wanting to improve early childhood literacy. Launching the Evaluation Report of Doodle Den, a children’s literacy programme run in Tallaght West from 2008-2011, the Childhood Development Initiative […]


Children to Benefit as Proven Literacy Programme Expanded

October 23, 2012: Almost 140 children are to benefit from improved reading and comprehension skills as a children’s literacy programme in Tallaght is being extended for an additional year – and being expanded to Limerick. The children will be taking part in Doodle Den, an after-school programme to improve reading and comprehension of 5-6 year olds in […]


St. Mark’s becomes first Restorative Practice School in Ireland

October 3, 2012: St Mark’s Community School has become the first school in Ireland committed to the use of Restorative Practice. The process began in 2010 and staff members, students and parents have all been involved in training in Restorative Practice (RP). RP is an internationally recognised approach to manage conflict and tensions in communities and […]


Certs Awarded in Life And Community Coaching

June 20, 2012: 55 people from across the community in Tallaght were awarded certificates in Life and Community Coaching, after completing a course organised by the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI). The successful participants learnt about community working and how they can also support others to be effective community workers. Many of the graduates are working in childcare, health […]


Tallaght West Kids Graduate with Improved Literacy Skills

June 13, 2012: Doodle Den provides early literacy model for Communities. 105 kids from Tallaght West today celebrated improved literacy skills after completing an intensive early years intervention programme. The children worked hard since last September completing three hour-and-a-half long after-school sessions each week, as part of the Doodle Den programme co-ordinated by the Childhood Development Initiative […]