Overview of the Profession Chapter 1 Overview of the Profession

Goals for Chapter 1 Develop an understanding of the essentials of early childhood education Learn about the different types of programs Identify funding sources for early childhood programs Determine roles, responsibilities, & skills needed for teachers of young children Investigate current training typical of teachers in early childhood education Become familiar with resources for professional development

Essentials of Early Education Understanding children and their development Provide opportunities to play Guide social and emotional development Work with parents, families, and the community Understand and respect diversity

The Scope of Early Childhood Education Infant / toddler programs Preschool education Child-care programs Family home child care Child-care centers School-based child care Corporate child-care Before and after school care Programs for children with special needs Kindergarten education Primary education

Funding: Who Pays for Early Education? For-profit programs Cooperative programs Federally funded programs Early head start Military child care State and locally funded programs Corporate child care College and University supported programs

Roles of the Early Childhood Educator Facilitator of learning Counselor Janitor/chef Educational specialist Parent substitute

Responsibilities of the Early Childhood Educator Advocacy Importance of early years Powerless children and families Low priority of early education and care Continue education Code of ethical conduct (NAEYC)

Skills of the Early Childhood Educator Interacting with children Preparing the environment Working with other adults

Should I Teach? Observe early childhood teachers at work Spend time working with children Ask for feedback from others Analyze your potential Consider Past experiences Personal strengths Potential weaknesses

Professional Preparation of Early Childhood Care Givers Child Development Associate (CDA) credential Two-year teacher preparation programs Four-year degree programs Coordinating efforts Masters and doctoral programs Resources for professional development NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children ACEI – Association for Childhood Education International

Other Professional Organizations American Montessori Society Council for Exceptional Children Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development International Reading Association National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Society for Research in Child Development

Journals Child Development Developmental Psychology Early Child Development and Care Merrill Palmer Quarterly Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development The Arithmetic Teacher Child Care Information Exchange Day Care and Early Education Dimensions of Early Childhood Early Childhood Education Today The Reading Teacher

Reference Materials Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) Websites National Association for the Education of Young Children www.naeyc.org The Annie C. Casey Foundation www.aecf.org Children’s Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org National Board of Professional Teaching Standards www.nbpts.org National Center for Education Statistics www.nces.ed.gov

Observing Development – General Developmental Abilities Observe Go to MyEducationLab and select “Child Development” and watch the video “Cognitive Development” Reflect What were the actions and words the children used and how did they differ? Apply In what ways to the adults support the children’s development?

Multimedia Exploration and Activities… Research Go to MyEducationLab and select “Video Classrooms” then watch the video “Kindergarten Classroom” Reflect What is the importance of academic learning in Kindergarten? Respond Talk to a kindergarten teacher about the academic pressures that 5-year-olds face. Share your findings with the class.