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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Social and Economic Changes
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

6. Changes in Families 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
Most families no longer have a mother as a homemaker and father as a wage earner.
3. Smaller family size = more money to spend on childcare
4. When couples have children later, they are in a better position financially to afford early childhood care programs

7. Changes in Employers’ Attitudes
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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. Licensing Specialist 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
Employed by the state
Their role is to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of children attending centers

18. Other Career Opportunities
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

19. Education and Training Needed
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.

20. Commonwealth Child Care Credential eligibility
Students who complete Child Development/Parenting, Child Services I, and Child Services 2 OR Life Skills may be eligible to receive the certificate.
Must complete the following instructional hours
9 in Health and Safety
15 in Learning and Curriculum
7 in Family and Community Partnerships
5 in Program Management
6 in Professional Development
4 in Child Assessment
14 in Child Development and Growth
To receive your full certificate, you must be 18 years old and be employed in an early childhood facility.

21. 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.

22. CDA Eligibility Requirements
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

23. 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

24. 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.
Play activities should be based on the child’s age, abilities, strengths/weaknesses, cultural and social background, and personal interests.
Quality programs focus on the “whole child”

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

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

29. What do you think are characteristics of a successful teacher?

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. Chapter 1 Review 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

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