Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the cornerstone of the foundation of educational development for all children. It is during this time when children have the best opportunity for long-term success in learning and developing. Early childhood education is defined as the education of children from birth through grade three, or age eight. Long gone are the days when starting your child off with education at kindergarten was considered a step ahead.
Today, children are already significantly behind in kindergarten if they do not attend preschool. Tomorrow, as more and more parents and public figures understand the importance of more comprehensive education at even younger ages, your child may begin learning fundamental social, cognitive, and academic skills in preschool. It is quickly becoming one of the most important steps in the academic success of children.
Why is Preschool and Kindergarten Important for Early Childhood Development
Research and studies have proven that Early Childhood Education is beneficial in a number of ways. During these formative years, children will begin to develop fundamental skills that will help them excel throughout their entire lives. It has been shown that children who receive formal education before kindergarten are far less likely to attend a special education class, have higher IQs, more easily learn any subject matter, have less behavioral issues, be more likely to complete high school and attend college, and be less likely to be involved in criminal activity later in life.
The data backing these results has warranted much-needed attention from lawmakers and government funding. While most states do not require children to begin their education careers until the kindergarten, and the age of seven in some states, many states are taking proactive measures to provide state-funded preschool and pre-kindergarten programs. These programs are offered to all children regardless of the socioeconomic standing of their parents. Some states offer such programs on a more restricted basis and some states do not fund preschool or pre-kindergarten programs in any way. As the positive results from these programs continue to be published and recognized, more funding will be made available and more states will work to offer similar programs to their young children.
Theories of Teaching
There are several, some would say competing, theories of teaching/learning for young children. Though they all want the same thing, to teach children, they go about it in different ways and you might need special training to teach in any schools that use these unique teaching techniques.
- Montessori
The Montessori methodology is meant to allow children to learn at their own pace. They also learn through playing where the toys act as a learning tool and help the children to self-correct. The teachers are there to act as a guide. This educational theory also places children from age three to five in the same room to help older kids act as role models.
- Waldorf
The Waldorf philosophy has more stringent protocols. Any school that wishes to teach using this methodology must become Waldorf certified. These schools also follow a play-to-learn model only with more structure and routine. And like the Montessori model, the Waldorf will include children of various ages.
- Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia teaching practice uses a project-based approach to help children become interested in the exploration of life and to become better members of society. The lessons are developed by the interest of the students rather than dictated by the teachers. And the educational model focuses on kids working together to solve problems.
- Self-Contained Classrooms
ECE classrooms are typically self-contained teaching classrooms. This means that one teacher or a lead teacher and support teachers educate students on all subjects in the same classroom. The classes are typically a bit smaller than older classrooms so that the teachers have the ability to work with young students on a more individual level. These classrooms might even be located in a K-12 building; however, they will have little interaction, if any, with the older students.
In fact, many school districts have self-contained classrooms through grade three as a way to better serve all children during their most influential developmental years. Subject teaching is typically reserved to grade four and higher in many states that continually have the best public education school systems.
Skills and Attributes
While many people believe they would like to make a substantial positive influence on future generations to make their lives easier and to improve their chance for success, not everyone is cut out to be an ECE teacher. It will be emotionally challenging, and you must be able to connect with both children and their parents.
The following are some of the ideal skills and attributes for ECE teachers:
Passion
Patience
Dedication
Sense of Humor
Creativity
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Understanding of Diversity
Organization
Empathy
Creativity
Structure
Elements of a High Quality Early Childhood Education Program and the Classroom
An early childhood education teacher, your primary tasks are to prepare young people for the greatest chance of success throughout their entire educational careers. You will be responsible for the social, behavioral, and developmental skills of young children as well as their first learning experiences in all the basic subjects; English, Science, Math, etc. These are skills they will carry with them until they graduate high school. The following are some of the daily tasks and skills required to be a successful Early Childhood Education teacher:
Develop Schedules
Enforce Rules
Maintain a Safe Environment
Plan and Implement Lessons
Observe and Communicate
Supervise Children at All Times
Establish Routines
Build Self-Esteem
Promoting Literacy
Provide Age-Appropriate Activities
An Early Childhood years Education and learning level can assist prepare you for a pleasing profession mentor children in the preschool age. Early childhood teachers are liable for caring for and notifying youngsters. The locations of research study within this line of work focus on both the cognitive along with social development which includes different tasks that include a pupils abilities to prosper.
This desired level program allows pupils to obtain real-world experience that makes a difference in the lives of youngsters within the Philly community. Early childhood education defines the duration of discovering that takes place from birth to 8 years old. There are numerous kinds of very early education as well as learning programs, consisting of those that are federal government, state or independently moneyed.
There are numerous career training courses you can take, containing coach, managing a child care, as well as providing in your home care for youngsters. Below are some instances of extremely early childhood education and also discovering occupations: Preschool educators introduce children to education in addition to preparing them for preschool. They prepare curricula that are age ideal, along with present designs as well as likewise suggestions youngsters will raise upon in primary school.
The early childhood years trainer task recap can range child care facilities. Day care centers in addition to elementary institution instructors create lessons prepared for maths, English, social study studies in addition to scientific research, yet also to reveal students the soft abilities they call for to be efficient in university. They connect with moms and dads regarding their child's development as well as prepare pupils to take common examinations.
These workers are responsible for showering as well as likewise feeding the youngsters, overseeing their play time, and also organizing tasks for them. The supervisor of the child care facility handles every one of the preschool trainers as well as child care employees. They are accountable for collaborating with an additional training team, preparing the spending plan, developing the training requirements as well as shows for the center, as well as also seminar with moms and dads to speak about pupils' development.
Along with moms and dads, therapists and psychologists can make along with execute treatment programs for students. Pursuing a task in extremely early youth years education as well as learning can lead you to operate in different types of workplace. Regularly, early youth years educators will work within a school setup nevertheless can work from treatment centers or special homes.
ECCE has a worldwide extent, and likewise looking after and informing children has really always been an indispensable component of human societies. Arrangements for fulfilling these societal roles have actually advanced in time and stay different throughout societies, often matching members of the family and likewise area frameworks in addition to the social and economic features of women as well as males.
After a 20th-century defined by constant adjustment, consisting of a significant job motivating for greater ladies's legal civil liberties, girls were encouraged to look for an university education and learning as well as additionally sign up with the manpower. Nonetheless, moms still deal with the exact same challenges as the generations that preceded them on just exactly how to look after youngsters while away at the office.
Early childhood education refers to a branch of science theory that applies to teaching children from infancy to their early twenties. Traditionally, it is up until the age of six. The term 'econ' was first used to describe those who worked in the fields of agriculture and zoology. ECE came to be a field of research during the enlightenment, especially in European countries where high literacy levels were prevalent.
Early childhood education seeks to educate the child about the various parts of the world and to teach them to develop critical thinking skills. In addition, the child is educated about language, culture and family.
The school system of some countries such as Japan offers some programs that can be tailored to preschoolers. In addition, there are some private schools that offer educational programs geared towards helping infants and toddlers become well-rounded students.
In the United States, there are many educational programs available. Some of these include Head Start, Daycare for Infants and Toddlers, Head Start for Preschoolers, after school programs, Head Start for Special Education Children, after-school programs, and summer camps.
Many private organizations, such as day care centers, offer education programs specifically geared towards infants and toddlers. Some of these centers also have pre-k programs as well. Some organizations also offer a host of other programs such as after school clubs, athletic leagues, sports activities and more.
All of these educational programs are designed in accordance with some basic requirements for parents. Parents must meet certain educational criteria and agree to give their child time, money, and space for learning. As a parent, you must know your limits and how you will go about it.
If you do not have your own home to set aside, you can set aside a place of worship or a private club that is dedicated to educating your child. Your local church can also be a good place to go because there are often volunteer programs and activities.
There are other ways to offer educational programs apart from these types of institutions. Some teachers use their own initiative and creativity. By setting aside time each day to explore your child's pastimes, interests, you can develop a bond and help them understand the importance of the world around them.
You can also encourage your child's interest by introducing them to their favorite toys. Children often have a fascination for certain toys. By playing with them, they learn about various characters. This helps their imaginations grow and helps them understand what's important to them.
There are some educational programs that are offered online. There are many sites on the Internet that are dedicated to teaching infants and toddlers the basics of life and the world around them. Some of these websites are actually for free, while others require you to pay a nominal fee.
Through these websites, you can get a variety of articles, tips, and other information about various things that can help you educate your child's interest in a fun way. If you would prefer, you can even buy educational books and videos that explain a topic in much greater detail.
The best part about purchasing educational books and videos online is that you can take them along with you on your vacation. Since they are digital, they can be watched as many times as you like.
It is important to remember, education is an ongoing process. While some kids may have learned a lot right away, others will need to learn from time to time so that you can continue their education.
It is important for you to know that children who are able to continue their education have a strong foundation of knowledge, which means that they will be much more likely to do well in school. When you teach them at home, they will have the opportunity to make mistakes.
These are the same experiences that can foster new ideas and concepts. This can help you learn more about your child's development as well. This is why it is a good idea to stay actively involved in their education no matter where you happen to be.
When you show your child's interests, interest, and learning through books and video tutorials, you will be able to keep an open eye on their progress. This is one of the best ways to get your child a high quality education at home. There are a number of programs that you can enroll your child into if you have trouble finding the time to teach them.
Career Options for Early Childhood Teachers
- Preschool Teacher
A preschool teacher works with young children between the ages of three to five in most instances. They also help to teach basic academic skills and provide tools essential for social, behavioral, and developmental skills.
- Elementary School Teacher
An elementary school teacher works with children from kindergarten to grade four or six. The age range will depend on the school district. These teachers are typically responsible for one grade. Teachers up to grade three will often teach in a self-contained classroom.
- School Principal
A school principal is a person who manages the entire school. They are responsible for the teachers, budgets, disciplinary actions, curriculum, testing, and more. They are the primary administrators who make the major decisions for the children, teachers, school, and parents.
- Professor of Early Childhood Education
A professor of early childhood education is responsible for teaching future ECE teachers. They will teach program participants the various teaching methodologies and work with them to develop the skills required to be successful teachers. They might even become mentors.
- Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher will work with ECE students who require additional assistance outside of the traditional classroom in the areas of social, behavioral and developmental skills. These teachers often teach in a separate classroom for all children with special needs.
- ESL Teacher
An ESL teacher is an English as a second language teacher. These teachers require even greater patience than most teachers as students in these classes do not speak English as their primary language. These teachers must also have a higher level of cultural understanding and sensitivity.
- School Psychologist
A school psychologist works with students in a private setting on the school grounds to help them with their mental health. Students may need to see a school psychologist for a number of reasons, such as family life and behavioral concerns.