The Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme

The core work is the delivery of The ABC (Area Based Childhood) Programme which is a prevention and early intervention initiative targeting investment in effective services to improve the outcomes for children and families living in areas of disadvantage. Since 2018, the ABC Programme has been solely funded by the Department of Children, Disability, Equality & Integration and is now aligned to, and managed by, Tusla.

The ABC Programme coordinates the implementation of the following interventions:

The Incredible Years® Series is a set of interlocking, comprehensive, and developmentally based programmes targeting parents, teachers and children. The programmes are designed to work jointly to promote emotional, social and academic competence and to prevent, reduce, and treat behavioural and emotional problems in young children.

The KiVa Anti Bullying Programme is an innovative school-based anti-bullying programme. The programme uses universal actions to prevent bullying and indicated actions to address cases of bullying.

The Hanen Program® is delivered through the Learning Language and Loving It™ programme and the Teacher Talk™ training series to provide early childhood educators and junior/senior infant teachers with practical, evidence based strategies to help all children in the classroom build language and social skills regardless of their individual learning and communication styles, and any special needs.

It is also building capacity so as to allow delivery of Restorative Practice training and the Strengthening Families Programme.


In addition, The ABC Programme provides coaching and capacity building to all Group Leaders delivering these interventions. All Group Leaders are encouraged and supported to participate in Peer Coach sessions.

The ABC Programme have also developed a holistic transitions support framework called Flying Start to support parents prepare for parenthood and the key transition points for their children as they move on to early years services and then primary school. This is supported by www.flyingstart.ie

Or to speak to someone about The Genesis Programme please contact , ABC Programme Manager, Gavin McGee