You: Working with Young Children

You: Working with Young

Children

1

© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.

Key Concepts

Social and economic changes affect the growth of the child care profession.

Learning about the responsibilities and characteristics of child care teachers can help you decide if a career in this field is for you.


You: Working with Young Children

People considering early childhood careers often want to know if there will be a need for trained personnel what the job responsibilities are what personal characteristics are needed


Social and Economic Changes

Changes in families Changes in employers’ attitudes Changes in education attitudes Educational studies Benefits to the economy


Changes in Families

Changes in Families

Married couplesare having

fewer childrenAlmost 75% of

children have parentsworking or

attending school

Many workingwomen are widowed,

divorced, single,or separated

Women areincreasinglycommitted to

careers

75% of childrenparticipate in a

preschool program

No longer have amother as

homemaker and afather as wage

earner

Many workingwomen are widowed,

divorced, single,or separated

Women arebecoming highly

educated


Changes in Employers’ Attitudes

Corporate or employer-sponsored child care is growing On-site child care Referral service Sick child care Emergency backup arrangements Intergenerational care


Brainstorm

What are some of the payoffs companies receive when offering child care benefits to employees?


Changes in Education Attitudes

1970s Today

6% of children were cared for in child care centers

67% of children participate in an early childhood program

95% of the nation’sfive-year-olds attend kindergarten programs


Educational Studies

Studies have confirmed that the first five years of life are critical the benefits of early education are long-term early brain development depends on a

stimulating environment and nurturing

continued


Educational Studies

Children who receive early learning experiences are less likely to have behavioral problems be referred to special education

Many states introduced prekindergarten (PK) programs to support early learning


Benefits to the Economy

Early childhood programs influence tomorrow’s economy A sound investment Saves taxpayers future costs Pays great returns to children


Career Opportunities in Early Childhood

Nannies and au pairs Kindergarten teachers Early childhood assistant/associate teachers Child care teachers and directors Family child care home Licensing specialists Other career opportunities


Nannies and Au Pairs

A nanny provides care in a child’s home May live with the family May receive health insurance, paid holidays,

and room and board in addition to salary

An au pair is a person from a foreign country who lives with a family and performs tasks similar to those of a nanny


Kindergarten Teachers

Most states are providing opportunities to attend kindergarten

Teachers are needed in public schools private schools


Early Childhood Assistant and Associate Teachers

Early childhood assistants or associate teachers are hired to achieve the required adult-child ratios provide support to lead teachers

Assistant or associate positions may require specialized coursework or training CDA credential associate degree


Child Care Teachers and Directors

Child care teachers are responsible for planning curriculum teaching children

Child care directors are responsible for marketing the program recruiting children hiring and supervising staff managing the budget


Family Child Care Homes

Family child care homes provide child care for children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 12 years

This type of care allows child care providers to work from home child care providers to care for their own children longer hours of operation homelike atmosphere


Licensing Specialists

Licensing specialists make visits to centers to observe if they follow the state licensing guidelines adult-child ratio size of the facility food service curriculum provided building safety and health practices


Other Career Opportunities

The field of early childhood offers a variety of positions Parent educator Community recreation leader Social workers Counselors and therapists Health care providers

continued


Other Career Opportunities

The field of early childhood also offers the ability to run your own business as an entrepreneur

Family child care home Consultants Store owners Designers of children’s products Entertainers


Education and Training Needed to Work with Young Children

Education and Training Jobs

High school educationTeacher aid

Playground supervisor

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, plus

postsecondary educationEarly childhood teacher

Bachelor’s degree Director of child care program

Graduate degree

Consultant

Researcher

Early childhood instructor

Professor


The Teacher’s Responsibilities

Know how children grow and develop Plan a developmentally appropriate

curriculum Prepare the environment Communicate effectively Demonstrate teamwork

continued


The Teacher’s Responsibilities

Manage time wisely Participate in professional organizations Follow ethical standards Continue to learn


To Know How Children Grow and Develop

This understanding helps teachers to prepare inviting and developmentally appropriate

environments design educational experiences to promote

growth develop curriculum that is challenging and

interesting without being difficult or discouraging work effectively with individuals and groups of

children


To Plan a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is a set of guidelines that focus on the outcomes of learning activities

Whole child programs focus on physical development social development cognitive development emotional development


To Prepare the Environment

Teachers prepare inviting and stimulating learning environments to encourage children to independently experiment, explore, and

manipulate materials engage in positive social activities develop physically, socially, cognitively, and

emotionally

You: Working with Young Children

Documents

Transcript of You: Working with Young Children