You Working with Young Children Chapter 1 Adapted

You: Working with Young Children Chapter 1 Adapted from “Working with Young Children” by Judy Herr

Chapter Vocabulary • Early childhood • Prekindergarten (PK) • Nanny • Au pair • Licensing specialist • Entrepreneur • Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential • Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) • Ethics

What is early childhood? • Covers the period from birth to nine years of age • During this time, growth is very rapid • Child develops a sense of self, as well as language, cognitive, social, emotional, problem-solving and social skills

Popularity of early childhood programs • In the 1970 s, only 6% of children were cared for in child care centers • Today, 67% participate in an early childhood program • 95% of the nation’s five-year-olds attend kindergarten programs for at least ½ the day

Social and Economic Changes • Various changes will affect the need for and structure of child care services. • These changes include: – Families – Employers’ attitudes – Educational studies – Benefits to the economy

Changes in Families • Dramatic change in the past 25 years • Many families need a second paycheck • Women are becoming more highly educated • Women are demonstrating an increased commitment to work • Couples are having fewer children • Young adults are getting married later in life • Families see the value of having children attend an early childhood program

Changes in Employers’ Attitudes • Corporate/employersponsored child care is one of the fastest growing types of child care • By providing some type of child care benefit, companies see an increase in – Recruitment – Morale – productivity • Absenteeism is reduced • Better public relations • Tax benefits • Ease of scheduling • Improved quality of workforce

Changes in Education Attitudes • Parents are becoming more aware of their children’s developmental needs • As a result, they are seeking quality environments that promote their children’s growth and development • Studies show children in full-day kindergarten programs do better academically and socially during the primary years.

Educational Studies • • The first 5 years of life are critical in development Children who are involved in early learning experiences are more successful in school, as well as later in life • Children who have a good start are less likely to have behavioral problems • Less likely to be referred to special education • Earned better grades • More graduated from high school • According to research, many states are introducing prekindergarten programs – PK refers to the full range of early childhood programs, including school and home based child care, preschool, and Head Start

Career Opportunities in Early Childhood • • Nannies Au pairs Kindergarten teachers Early childhood assistant and associate teachers • Child care teachers and directors • • • Family child care home Licensing specialist Playground designers Children’s librarians Salespeople of children’s products • Parents educators • Children’s artist

Nannies • • Provides care in a child’s home Some nannies live in the child’s home “Raise” the child Many nannies come from other countries

Au Pairs • A person from a foreign country who lives with a family and performs tasks similar to those of a nanny • In exchange for weekly pay, room, board and transportation, the au pair provides child care and may do housework.

Kindergarten Teacher • Needed in public and private schools • Many child care centers hire kindergarten teachers

Early Childhood Assistant and Associate Teachers • Provides support and assistance to the lead teacher in providing developmentally appropriate curriculum. • Typically an entry level position • May give experience needed to advance to the lead teacher position

Child Care Teachers and Directors • Teacher is responsible for planning curriculum and teaching children • Director is responsible for marketing the program, recruiting children, hiring and supervising staff, and managing the budget.

Family Child Care Home • Provide care for children age 6 weeks to 12 years • Allows a child care provider to work from home • Often has longer hours of operation • Homelike atmosphere • Care providers can also care for their own children

Licensing Specialist • Employed by the state • Their role is to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of children attending centers • Makes visits to assigned centers – – – Is center following state licensing guidelines? How many children are in facility? What is the adult-child ratio? What is the size of the facility? What is the quality of food service? Is the appropriate curriculum being provided? • Building safety, health practices, educational preparedness of staff and physical space are monitored as well

Other Career Opportunities • Parent educator – work with parents to help them learn parenting skills • Counselors • Community recreation leader • Entrepreneur – a person who creates and runs their own business • Children’s art, dance, music and sports instructor • Social workers • Therapists – Most common is a family child care home – Ex: consultant, store owner

Education and Training Needed • Some entry-level positions (i. e. , playground supervisor, teacher’s aide) require a high school diploma • Teachers usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in ECE, child development or a closely related field. • Most require training and educational beyond high school. • Some jobs require a graduate degree • – Consultants – Researchers – Early childhood instructors and professors Step one is to obtain the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – A national credential that requires postsecondary courses in child care education and have demonstrated the ability to work with young children. • Each state establishes its own qualifications for staff working in child care centers. • Qualifications depend on position desired and location.

CDA History • Initiated in 1971 for the purpose of improving the quality of child care. • It was designed to assess and credential early care and education professionals based on performance.

CDA Eligibility Requirements • Personal • Experience – 18 years old with a high school – At least 480 hours diploma work experience – Academic skills with 3 -5 year olds • Education – 120 clock hours divided among different program areas – Signed statement of ethical conduct • Setting – State-approved center – Must be the head caregiver for 8 or more children ages 3 -5 – 10 children must be enrolled in program and two caregivers present – No more than 20% of children can have special needs

Child Development Associate Credential • Competency Goals: establish the framework for caregiver behavior – How many are there? 6 • Functional Areas describe the major tasks or functions must complete in order to carry out the competency goals. – How many are there? 13

The Teacher’s Responsibilities • Plan developmentally appropriate curriculum through developmentally appropriate practice – A set of guidelines that focus on the outcomes of learning activities – Based on the idea that children learn from play – Emphasizes knowing children well and respecting them.

The Teacher’s Responsibilities • Prepare the environment – Must encourage children to independently experiment, explore and manipulate – Provide a variety of materials • Communicate Effectively – Positive communication will help you form and maintain a close relationship with children – Encourage communication with parents and caregivers – Form meaningful relationships with colleagues

The Teacher’s Responsibilities • Demonstrate Teamwork – Work as a team with your colleagues by respecting them – Support your coworkers – Conflict resolution skills • Time Management – Helps teachers work smarter – Set priorities – Distinguish between important and urgent matters

The Teacher’s Responsibilities • Participate in Professional Organizations – Keep current in the field – FCCLA – NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is the primary organization for the early childhood field • Follow ethical standards – Ethics are a guiding set of moral principles – Right vs. wrong

The Teacher’s Responsibilities • To continue to learn – Professional development – Conferences • Know how children grow and develop

What do you think are characteristics of a successful teacher?

Characteristics of a Successful Teacher • Fondness for children • Patience – Every child should fee understood and accepted – As part of their social development, children need to be taught that people and feelings are important – Allow children time to explore, solve problems and create – Children often learn through repetition

Characteristics of a Successful Teacher • Compassion – Accept others without prejudice – Is sensitive to both positive and negative feelings the children express – Compliment children for their successes – Help children understand feelings – Motivate children to respect each other • Confidence – Helps you to relax in the classroom – Stand by your decisions and children will accept them

Characteristics of a Successful Teacher • Sense of humor – Children enjoy adults who laugh – Positive teacher = positive student – Makes work more enjoyable – Make sure to laugh with, not at children. • Commitment – Must constantly study to keep up with current developments in field – Preparing for daily teaching is time consuming

Characteristics of a Successful Teacher • Personal Desire – You may have doubts – You need to feel that working with children is rewarding for you • Physical and Mental Health – Eat nutritious meals – Get plenty of sleep – Stay physically active – Find stress relievers

Chapter 1 Review • Know percentages of child care in the 1970 s vs. today • Changes in families that affect child care • Benefits of corporate childcare • Advantages of early learning experiences • Be able to describe 5 career opportunities in early childhood • Be able to describe a family child care home • Eligibility requirements for a CDA • CDA functional areas vs. competency goals

Chapter 1 Review • Know at least 3 responsibilities and 3 characteristics of a successful teacher • Know your vocabulary