Chapter 1 Early Childhood Careers There is a

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers There is a high demand for qualified professionals to work in early childhood careers. These jobs require specific • characteristics. • skills. • education. • training. • responsibilities. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 1

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • child care • comply • trend • initiative • nanny • au pair • entrepreneur • Child Development Associate (CDA) • mandated Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 2

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Demand for Early Childhood Professionals • The demand for high-quality child care continues to grow. • Americans rely on early childhood professionals to care for their young children. • Students who receive quality education before age five have been shown to have better academic scores and fewer behavior issues. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 3

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Demand for Early Childhood Professionals Parents who work outside the home during the early years of their child’s development find that choosing good child care is one of the most important decisions they can make for their child care The broad term that describes any situation in which children are provided with supervision, support, and education by individuals outside the child’s immediate family. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 4

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Demand for Early Childhood Professionals A growing trend over the last several decades indicates that almost two-thirds of all children under age five spend some time in someone’s care other than their parents’. trend The overall direction in which a society moves within a given time frame. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 5

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs Today’s child care programs focus on meeting children’s overall developmental needs such as • secure attachments. • positive self-esteem. • nurturing children’s emerging skills and abilities. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 6

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs Child Care Centers • foster a family-friendly environment. • encourage parent participation. • refer families to services such as family counseling. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 7

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs Family Child Care Homes • A provider cares for children in his or her home • Requires a license or certification • Often less expensive than child care centers • Usually has fewer children than child care centers Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 8

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs A nanny may be hired to provide full- or parttime child care in a family’s home. nanny An in-home care provider who may or may not live with the family and usually works for one family at a time. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 9

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs When a family hires an au pair, both the family and the au pair can benefit from new cultural experiences. au pair A person from another country who lives with a family and cares for the children to receive exposure to American culture as part of his or her employment. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 10

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Early Care and Education Programs In-Home Care • A caregiver, such as a nanny or au pair, provides care in the family’s home. • Caregiver may or may not live with the family. • Some caregivers offer their services on an emergency or on-call basis. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 11

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Inclusive and Diverse Environments Early childhood programs and centers must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). comply To obey or conform to something such as a rule, law, regulation, or wish. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 12

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Inclusive and Diverse Environments • Child care programs and centers cannot discriminate against people with disabilities, including children, parents, and guardians. • Child care professionals understand accommodate the needs of children with disabilities and their families. • Child care professionals respect children and families of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 13

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Your Role in Child Care • Success depends on a combination of your personal traits, attitudes, skills, and abilities. • Understand the characteristics that help a child care provider become successful. • Education and training can help prepare you for a career. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 14

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers in Early Childhood Training in the field of early childhood care opens many career opportunities, including • owning or managing a child care center. • working with children and parents as a social worker or other human services professional. • teaching other adults about children. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 15

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Working with Children Early childhood programs are available at a variety of settings. • Boys and Girls Clubs • intergenerational care centers • agencies and professional organizations • preschools and kindergartens • hospitals, hospices, shelters • children’s museums • libraries • summer camps and recreation programs • zoos, gardens, nature centers • cruise ships, malls, fitness centers • before- and after-school care Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers • school health center • state education boards • U. S. military bases 16

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Choosing a Career Path • Setting educational and career goals is the first step in planning your career. • Education, training, and experience vary by specific job and location. • Each state sets its own standards, so find out about your state’s requirements. • Look for intern or volunteer experiences to find out if this career is right for you. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 17

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Entrepreneurship Opportunities If you would like to be your own boss and take on the risks and challenges involved in building a quality, profitable child care business, you may become a successful entrepreneur A person who owns and operates a business. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 18

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Provider Certification The Child Development Associate credential is offered in four areas: infant/toddler caregivers in center-based programs, preschool caregivers in center-based programs, family child care providers, and in -home care. Child Development Associate (CDA) A nationally recognized credential program for early childhood professionals. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 19

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Provider Certification • Federal, state, and county or city government agencies have created certification and credentialing programs. • The board of education in each state determines certification requirements. • Many states require the CDA credential or similar training and education. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 20

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Legal Responsibilities Anyone can report a case of child abuse or neglect; however, early childhood professionals are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect. mandated Required by law. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 21

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Criminal Background Checks • Many states require criminal background checks before being employed in child care. • If a background check reveals criminal activity involving children, state law requires that the employer reject the candidate or dismiss him or her if already hired. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 22

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Privacy and Confidentiality • It is your professional responsibility to maintain confidentiality. • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of personal and educational records. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 23

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Mandated Reporting • Early childhood professionals are required by law to report suspected case of abuse or neglect. • Licensing laws may require that staff members receive training in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 24

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Review Key Concepts State three factors that contribute to the demand for early childhood professionals. • Extended families often live far away or are still in the workforce. • Single parents rely on quality child care so they can work outside the home. • In many dual-career families, both parents work outside the home. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 25

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Review Key Concepts Identify characteristics of a successful child care professional. • enjoy working with children • understand child development • good health • communicate effectively • kind and compassionate • consistency with children • have a positive attitude • adapt easily to changes • sense of humor • creative and resourceful • dedicated to children • team player • respect diversity • reliable • problem-solving skills • display initiative Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 26

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Review Key Concepts Name five places you can work with children. Any five: Boys and Girls Clubs; resource and referral agencies; hospitals or hospices; libraries; zoos, gardens, nature centers; cruise ships, shopping malls, fitness centers; shelters; professional organizations; before- and after-school care; family education agencies; high school or university child care centers; intergenerational care centers; kindergartens; mental health agencies; children’s museums; parks and recreation programs; prisons with in-house child visitation; public or private preschool programs; school health center; state education boards; summer camps and sports clinics; U. S. military bases Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 27

Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers Review Key Concepts Describe the responsibilities of a mandated reporter. Early childhood professionals, along with healthcare workers and teachers, are required by law to report each suspected abuse or neglect case. Child Care Today, Chapter 1: Early Childhood Careers 28

End of Chapter 1 Early Childhood Careers