NAEYC Standard 4Explained

Understanding Developmentally Effective Approaches

Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on children's ages, characteristics, and the settings within which teaching and learning occur.

They understand and use positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children and families.

Candidates know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each child's development and learning.

Key Elements of Standard 4

4a: Understanding positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation of their work with young children

4b: Knowing and understanding effective strategies and tools for early education, including appropriate uses of technology

4c: Using a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate teaching / learning approaches

4d: Reflecting on own practice to promote positive outcomes for each child

Teaching/Learning Approaches to Promote Young Children's Development

Using integrative approaches to curriculum

Setting up all aspects of the indoor and outdoor environment

Creating support for play

Teaching through social interactions

Making the most of the environment, schedule, and routines

Focusing on children's individual characteristics, needs, and interests

Supporting learning through technology

Fostering oral language and communication

Addressing children's challenging behaviors

Linking children's language and culture to the early childhood program

Standard 4 Summary

Teachers make decisions everyday regarding the content of what they will teach and the methods they will use to teach it. Teachers draw on their child development knowledge and utilize prior experiences to provide various approaches to learning that will promote positive outcomes for every child.

Resources

Sarah Breeden

February 5, 2014

ECED 260

Professor: R. Jones