Communication.. Key to working with children Edited by Dr. Vivian G. Baglien as adapted from Dr. Yvonne Gentzler

To Communicate Effectively As a teacher, positive communication skills help you to form and maintain a close relationship with the children in your care exchange information with parents and guardians form meaningful relationships with colleagues

To Demonstrate Teamwork Staff in early childhood programs need to work as a team, which helps to make coworkers feel respected and important show empathy by recognizing others’ feelings share ideas and information encourage meaningful interactions with children resolve conflicts effectively

To Manage Time Wisely Time management skills help teachers work smarter, not harder organize time set priorities distinguish between important and urgent matters make good choices and use time wisely

To Participate in Professional Organizations Professional organizations help you keep up with current developments in the field National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Child Care Association National Head Start Association

Discuss How can professional organizations help you find career opportunities in the field?

To Follow Ethical Standards When working with young children, rely on your ethics to help make tough decisions Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct Follow the code of ethical conduct created by NAEYC for early childhood professionals Choose ethical behavior, which is not always easy

NAEYC; code of ethical conduct • Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle • Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn • Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family • Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture,* community, and society • Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague) • Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues • Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect

To Continue to Learn Professional development is ongoing Lifelong learners utilize conferences in-service training course work journals study groups books

Characteristics of Successful Teachers Fondness for children Patience Compassion Confidence Sense of humor Commitment Personal desire Physical and mental health

Fondness for Children The most important trait of an early childhood teacher is fondness for children Establish rapport with children Make children feel understood and accepted Show love for each child Be kind, firm, and understanding

Patience Effective teachers allow children time to explore, solve problems, and create continued

Patience Young children need to have extra time to complete tasks have the opportunity to repeat tasks be able to repeat questions

Compassion Compassionate teachers accept others without prejudice Accept any emotion from others Are sensitive to both positive and negative feelings Compliment children for their successes Avoid actions that make children feel worthless Help children understand feelings of others

Confidence Having confidence in your abilities helps you relax in the classroom Have a calming effect on the children Make sensible decisions Stand by your choices so children accept them

Sense of Humor Children enjoy adults who have a sense of humor Children relax and feel content Children tend to be more positive and cheerful Work is more enjoyable You see the humor in situations You laugh with the children

Commitment Meeting the demands of the field requires commitment Be an expert in child development, guidance, and curriculum Keep up with current developments Be fully prepared for all activities Balance the pace of the activities Provide appropriate curriculum

Personal Desire Knowing you really want to teach young children is important to your success Examine your interests feelings satisfactions

Physical and Mental Health Teaching young children is demanding physically and mentally To be alert and able to multi-task, eat nutritious meals get enough sleep stay physically active learn to reduce stress

Did You Know? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow faster than average through 2018.

Reflect What are some of the qualities you possess that would make you a good early childhood teacher?

Review True or False. Social and economic changes in society continue to create a need for child care services. Name five career opportunities in the early childhood field. What are four characteristics of successful early childhood teachers?

Glossary au pair. A person from a foreign country who lives with a family and provides child care in exchange for room, board, and transportation. Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. A national credential that requires postsecondary courses in child care education and a minimum number of hours of child care experience.

Glossary developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). A set of guidelines that focus on the outcomes of learning activities. early childhood. The period of life from birth to nine years of age. entrepreneur. A person who creates and runs his or her own business.

Glossary ethics. A guiding set of moral principles, either those held personally or those determined by a professional organization for its members. licensing specialist. A person employed by a state to ensure that the state’s child care rules and regulations are followed.

Glossary nanny: A child care worker who usually provides care in the child’s home and may receive food and housing in addition to wages.

Glossary prekindergarten (PK). The full range of early childhood programs including school-based programs for three- and four-year-olds, preschool, child care, Head Start, and home-based child care. The goal is to enable every child with skills needed to succeed in school.