Transcript WORKING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Competencies of Early
Childhood Workers
Education & Training Needed to
Work with Young Children
High School Degree
* teacher’s aide or playground supervisor
 (CDA) Child Development Associate
Credential– National credential
* Postsecondary courses in child care
education & demonstrated their ability to
work with young children
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CDA
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6 CDA competency goals identify the skills
needed by early childhood professionals
 Goals are divided into 13 functional areas
(describe major tasks by caregivers)
 Must be 18 yrs. old and have a high school
diploma
 Must have a minimum number of hours of
child care experience and have taken
courses in early childhood education
Education & Training Cont’d..
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Most jobs in this chapter require at least a 2
year degree in child development or a related
field
 Credential is not required if you have an
associate or bachelor’s degree
 Graduate degrees- consultants, researchers,
and early childhood instructors or professors
 Each state has different requirements
The Teacher’s Responsibilities
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Majority of career opportunities will be as
teachers or teacher’s aides
 These jobs are needed for child care centers,
preschools, Head Start programs. & early
childhood programs in public or private
schools
 You will need to be a friend, colleague,
counselor, janitor, nurse, decorator, safety
expert, and even a cook on some days!
The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…
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Challenging & Rewarding are two words
that can best describe the
responsibilities of an early childhood
teacher
Early childhood teachers usually feel
useful, needed, and important
The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…

To know how children grow and develop
(knowing the principles of child development will
assist you in developing curriculum that is
challenging and interesting without being
difficult or discouraging) -ex. Temper tantrums
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To plan a developmentally appropriate
curriculum
(quality programs focus on the “whole child”)
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Physical, social, cognitive, and emotional
development are all emphasized
The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…
To prepare the environment
*preparing an inviting and stimulating
learning environment
*must encourage children to
independently experiment, explore, and
manipulate
*Lack of variety or quantity can lead to
lags in development

The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…
To communicate effectively
*Positive communication skills will help
you form and maintain a close
relationship with the children in your
care
*Effective communication with the parents
and colleagues

The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…
To demonstrate teamwork
*Getting along with coworkers (making
them feel important)
*accept their style of caregiving, praise
them for meaningful interactions,
recognize their feelings
*know how to resolve conflict
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The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…
To manage time wisely
*Time management skills
*Help you organize your time, set
priorities, and distinguish between
important and urgent matters
*Help you make choices wisely
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The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…
To participate in professional
organizations
*Help you keep up with current
developments in the field (must be
active)
(NAEYC)- National Association for the
Education of Young Children (largest)
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The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…
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To follow ethical standards
Ethics- guiding set of moral principles
*Professional who follow the Code of Ethical
Conduct ensure that programs for young
children are based on the most recent
knowledge of child development and early
childhood education
*may involve sticky situations
The Teacher’s Responsibilities
Cont’d…

To continue to learn
*Need to be a committed life long
learner
*conferences, in-service training,
course work, journals, study
groups, and books
Characteristics of Successful
Teachers
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Fondness for
Children
Patience
Compassion
Confidence
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Sense of Humor
Commitment
Personal desire
Physical and
Mental Health