You: Working with Young Children

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

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

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 1970s, 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

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

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

Corporate/employer-sponsored 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 Employers’ Attitudes

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.

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 Educational Studies

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 Career Opportunities in Early Childhood

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.

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 Family Child Care Home

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 Licensing Specialist

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

Some entry-level positions (i.e., playground supervisor, teacher’s aide) require a high school diploma Most require training and educational beyond high school. 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. Teachers usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in ECE, child development or a closely related field. Some jobs require a graduate degree Consultants Researchers Early childhood instructors and professors Each state establishes its own qualifications for staff working in child care centers. Qualifications depend on position desired and location. Education and Training Needed

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.

Personal 18 years old with a high school diploma Academic skills 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 Experience At least 480 hours work experience with 3-5 year olds Education 120 clock hours divided among different program areas CDA Eligibility Requirements

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.

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

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?

Fondness for children Every child should fee understood and accepted As part of their social development, children need to be taught that people and feelings are important Patience 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 Characteristics of a Successful Teacher

Know percentages of child care in the 1970s 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

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

You: Working with Young Children