Pictured L-R: Dr Mary Moloney, Associate Professor in the Department of Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies at MIC; Dr Sharon Skehill, early years educator and researcher at Willows Preschool and Nursery, Newtown Lida Club Ltd., Galway; Professor Laura Lundy, Co-Director of the Centre for Children’s Rights and Professor of Education Law and Children’s Rights at Queen’s University Belfast and Professor of Law at University College Cork, and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Children’s Rights; and Dr Jennifer Pope, Lecturer in the Department of Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies at MIC.
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) academics have launched a groundbreaking new book, Babies’ and Toddlers’ Rights in Practice, which places the rights of the youngest children firmly at the heart of early years education and care.
The book was officially launched at MIC on Friday, 12 September by Professor Laura Lundy, Co-Director of the Centre for Children’s Rights and Professor of Education Law and Children’s Rights at Queen’s University Belfast and Professor of Law at University College Cork. She also serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Children’s Rights. The publication offers fresh insights into how the rights of babies and toddlers can be respected, protected, and fulfilled in everyday practice.
Written by Dr Mary Moloney, Associate Professor in the Department of Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies at MIC; Dr Jennifer Pope, Lecturer in the Department of Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies at MIC; and Dr Sharon Skehill, early years educator and researcher at Willows Preschool and Nursery, Galway, the book is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It also draws on national and international early childhood curricula, including the updated Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework in the Irish context.
Placing babies and toddlers firmly as rights-holders from birth, the book moves beyond viewing them as passive recipients of care. Instead, it explores how educators can nurture children’s holistic development by creating environments that support agency, participation, equity, and inclusion. Practical guidance is provided on key areas such as noticing, observing, and documenting children’s learning, as well as recognising babies and toddlers as both local and global citizens.
Speaking of the significance of the book, Dr Mary Moloney commented:
“This book addresses a pressing question for early childhood educators: how do we truly listen to, respect, and respond to the rights of children from birth? It bridges academic theory with practical application, empowering professionals to place children’s rights at the very heart of their daily practice.”
Co-author Dr Jennifer Pope added:
“Early childhood is a critical time for realising children’s rights. By drawing on research, real-life scenarios, and practical guidance, this book equips educators with the tools they need to embed those rights into everyday practice and ensure that the youngest children are seen, heard, and valued.”
Prof. Laura Lundy, who officially launched the book, praised its unique contribution: “This book is a global first in its focus on babies and toddlers’ rights, and it is accessible to all in its thoughtful presentation of theory and research in a multitude of practical applications.”
The book’s launch comes at a pivotal time, following the establishment of Ireland’s first-ever Health Equity Region, led by Limerick City and County Council and HSE Mid-West, which was launched in May 2025. Grounded in the internationally recognised Marmot principles, the initiative’s first phase begins with the principle “giving every child the best start in life”. This aligns closely with the themes of Babies’ and Toddlers’ Rights in Practice, together reinforcing the shared goal of placing children’s wellbeing and rights at the centre of both education and policy to build healthier, fairer communities.
Congratulating the authors, Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, said:
"The launch of Babies and Toddlers’ Rights in Practice is a timely and powerful contribution to current and emerging discourse on children’s rights. This important book offers valuable guidance for educators in ensuring those rights are acknowledged, respected, and fulfilled in everyday practice.”
Babies and Toddlers’ Rights in Practice is published by Boru Press Ltd and is designed for early childhood educators, researchers, policymakers, and all those committed to ensuring that the youngest children are recognised as rights-holders from birth.
