The HEART Framework

Understanding before teaching.

What is HEART?

At Ira Early Years, we believe that emotions are among the first ways children communicate with the world. Before children can fully express what they think or need through words, they communicate through their emotions, expressions and behaviour.

The HEART Framework, created at Ira Early Years, helps us look beyond the behaviour and understand the child behind it.

Hear the Emotion • Empathize • Acknowledge • Respond • Teach

Why HEART?

The early years are not only about learning letters, numbers and concepts. Children are also learning to understand their feelings, build relationships, make choices, handle challenges, care for others and trust themselves.

When a child feels heard, understood and emotionally secure, they are better able to connect, explore and learn.

HEART Framework helps us bring this understanding into everyday moments at Ira.

How does HEART make a difference?

HEART helps children gradually develop:

Emotional awareness — understanding and expressing what they feel.

Confidence — feeling valued, heard and capable.

Empathy — understanding and caring about others.

Self-regulation — learning to manage feelings and responses.

Healthy relationships — building trust, respect and connection.

A love for learning — feeling safe enough to explore, question and discover.

At Ira, we don't see behaviour as something to simply correct. We see it as something to understand.

Because every behaviour tells a story, and every story is an opportunity to learn.

The HEART Framework - Created at Ira Early Years.

Because children don't just need to be taught.
“They need to be understood and taught to understand.”