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Linden High SChool

The Field of Early Childhood Education

Unit 2

Ms. Nealy

First Qtr.

This unit covers understanding the history of early childhood education. As well as understanding career trends, opportunities, and options in early childhood education.

ContentsTextbook Resources:................................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives:................................................................................................................................................... 2

Essential Questions:.................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 3

Outline:........................................................................................................................................................ 4

Career Trends............................................................................................................................................. 8

Key Terms................................................................................................................................................. 10

Leaders in Early Childhood Education...................................................................................................10

Events, Programs, & Initiatives Influencing ECE....................................................................................11

Trends and Opportunities in Early Childhood Education........................................................................12

Benefits and Limitations of Career Options............................................................................................13

Introduction Activity:................................................................................................................................... 14

Power points.............................................................................................................................................. 15

1. The History of Early Childhood Education.....................................................................................15

2. Events, Programs & Initiatives Influencing ECE.............................................................................16

3. Benefits and Limitations of Early Childhood Careers.....................................................................17

Priorities in Order....................................................................................................................................... 18

The History of Early Childhood Education.................................................................................................20

My Pedagogic Creed.............................................................................................................................. 23

Investigative Reporting.............................................................................................................................. 24

Organization Cards................................................................................................................................ 24

Investigative Reporting Assignment.......................................................................................................25

Causes and Effects.................................................................................................................................... 26

Trends Affecting Careers in Child Care and Teaching...............................................................................28

Careers In and Related to Early Childhood Education...............................................................................29

ECE Career in Brief................................................................................................................................... 30

21 Careers --- What Do They Do?.............................................................................................................31

Trends --- Recall & Exemplify.................................................................................................................... 33

SEW Trends.............................................................................................................................................. 34

Interview of Early Childhood Professionals................................................................................................40

Suggested Interview Questions..............................................................................................................40

Going Straight to Work after High School..................................................................................................41

Going on for Further Education after High School.....................................................................................42

FCCLA in action:........................................................................................................................................ 43

Sample Test Questions:............................................................................................................................ 44

LHS/ECE1 Unit 2 Page: 1

Textbook Resources:Child Care Professional chapters 25-28

Working with Young Children chapters: 2, 8-12

Objectives:THE FIELD OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Understand the history of early childhood education.

Recognize the contributions of leaders in the history of early childhood education.

Explain the influence of historical events on early childhood-related programs and initiatives

and their impact on early childhood education.

Understand career trends, opportunities, and options in early childhood education.

Understand career trends and opportunities in early childhood education.

Understand benefits and limitations of work and education options.

Essential Questions: 1. What contributions were made by leaders in the history of early childhood education?

2. How have historical events led to programs/initiatives and impacted early childhood

education?

In the field of early childhood education . . .3. What are the benefits/limitations of going to work immediately after high school?4. What are the benefits/limitations of going to school for further education and a degree?

How are these trends affecting early childhood education?5. Training and preparation required6. Need for child care/education and opportunities available7. Work expectations and incentives


IntroductionThe Field of Early Childhood Education

In this unit, 15% of instructional time is allocated to helping students learn more about

the field of early childhood education and to facilitate a key career decision that will greatly

impact their futures. The unit is aimed at two main purposes --- first, to help them become more

familiar with the history and background of the early childhood field; and second, to prepare

them to decide whether to go directly into the work force after high school or to go on for further

study in the field.

The unit is designed to increase understanding of early childhood education as a field of

work and study. In the first part, students explore the roots of the profession and the impact of

historical events on educational programs and initiatives. In the second part, they focus on

trends affecting early childhood education, opportunities and options in the field, and a

comparison of the benefits and limitations of going directly to work after high school versus

going on for further study. The theme of the last competency ABLE emphasizes the message

that “Awareness of Benefits and Limitations of Early Childhood Careers” is very important.

Students will recognize historical contributions made by leaders in the history of the

field. They will investigate the cause-and-effect relationships between historical events and

programs and initiatives that provide opportunities for young children.

A special resource to be used during this unit is the latest edition of Beginnings &

Beyond. This is the text used by early childhood programs in the North Carolina Community

College System. The objective related to history was included in this course to better align high

school and community college programs and to provide background for understanding the

profession as it exists today. Each classroom teacher needs at least one copy of this book for

every four students.


Outline:Contributions of Leaders in the History of Early Childhood Education

John Locke --- 1632-1704 Founder of modern educational philosophy Theory based on scientific method, study of mind and learning Children are born with a “clean slate” (tabula rasa) on which their experiences are

written Environmentalism- Environment, not innate characteristics, determines what

children become

Friedrich Froebel --- 1782-1852 Coined the word kindergarten Started the first kindergarten in Germany in 1837 – “Father of the Kindergarten” Advocated freedom, initiative, and relevant curriculum Emphasized teacher-directed learning

Sigmund Freud --- 1856 - 1939 A neurologist and psychoanalyst A child’s personality develops through a predictable pattern of psychosexual stages Many emotional/psychological problems in adulthood are connected to ways in

which needs were met/not met during childhood Id, ego, and superego Conscious, preconscious, unconscious

John Dewey --- 1858-1952 A progressivist First real American influence on American education Founder of progressive movement Theory of progressivism Advocated child-centered learning in groups Author of “My Pedagogic Creed”

Margaret McMillan --- 1860-1931 With sister Rachel, extended concern beyond education to medical/dental care for

children Created an open-air nursery in a slum area Developed the McMillan theory of fresh air, sleep, and bathing Crusaded to improve child care in English slums Many credit the creation of nursery schools to Rachel and Margaret McMillan Created the name nursery school – nursery to focus on the goal of nurturing good

health, and school to focus on educating young children


Rudolph Steiner --- 1861-1925 Philosopher, scientist, and artist; founded Waldorf schools Interdisciplinary and multi-sensory curriculum with emphasis on the arts Emphasized the whole child; begin where the learner is Promoted self-regulation and self-discipline Believed that experiences for young children need to be carefully selected Believed that fairy tales help children learn important truths Modern-day followers of Steiner believe that TV viewing by children should be

limited

Patty Hill --- 1868-1946 Founded the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Originated large-muscle equipment and materials for climbing and construction Focused on unifying kindergarten and 1st grade; led to modern kindergarten practice Wrote Happy Birthday song

Maria Montessori --- 1870-1952 First female physician in Italy; believed that education begins at birth The early years are very important as children go through “sensitive periods.” Their

curiosity makes them ready to learn certain things at certain times. Goals of education: the formation of the child and development of character Elements of early childhood programs that are attributed to Montessori: a prepared

environment (the teacher’s responsibility), self-correcting and sequential materials (usually tactile – touch), teaching based on observation, and trust in children’s inborn drive to learn

Lev Vygotsky --- 1896 - 1934 Focuses on the child as a whole; incorporates culture and values into child

development Sociocultural Theory: A child’s development is influenced by more than personal

experiences. Other influences include family, community, socioeconomic status, and culture.

Implications of sociocultural theory for teachers1. Incorporate each child’s family and culture into the school.2. The relationship between teacher and child is very important to learning.3. Use the tools of the society to help children learn.4. Play is an important part of learning.5. It’s very important to note individual differences among learners.

Loris Malaguzzi --- 1920-1994 Founder of Reggio Emilia Schools Schools have teachers, a pedagogista, and an atelierista All children are capable of learning; children construct their own learning Documenting children’s work is essential for successful programs The family and community are important parts of the “amiable school.”


Several historical events led to the creation of government programs and initiatives that have made an impact on the development of early childhood education in America.Cause:Historical Events

Result:Government Programs/Initiatives

Effect:Impact on Early Childhood Education

1. Great Depression and World War II diverted attention from needs of children toward need to work. Women went to work. Many nurseries were opened.

In 1943, Kaiser Child Care Centers were started. Offered health care, hot meals, convenience for working parents, round-the-clock, exemplary child care.

Served over 3000 children Freed women to work Provided a model of

exemplary child care

2. Launching of Soviet satellite Sputnik in 1957 upset the education community and made the US education system appear inferior. Civil Rights Movement of 1960s identified education as the best way to fight poverty.

In 1956, Head Start was begun. Offered services for low-income families --- health care and hot meals, compensatory education, parental involvement, and community control.

Brought national attention to importance of good care and education experiences for young children

Produced enthusiasm for young children’s programs

Expanded enrollment in preschool programs

Serves about 20% of low-income children

3. Changes in the family and the workforce, 1970s and after More diverse families

(single-parent, stepparent, extended, and blended)

Parents working; not at home

Shortage of quality centers and homes for child care

In 1993, a NC partnership for children founded Smart Start to ensure that young children are ready to succeed in school. Focused on children’s health, strengthening families, and cutting-edge approaches for early learning

Made early childhood education accessible to children of all races, classes, cultures, and needs

Made child care affordable

Cause:Historical Events

Result:Government Programs/Initiatives

Effect:Impact on Early Childhood Education

4. Increased emphasis on quality education and greater success for every child in the 1990s and after led to the conclusion that no child should be left behind

In 2001, a national program called No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was created by the Department of Education. NCLB includes higher standards, greater accountability, expanded options for parents, and proven teaching methods.

Accurate assessment of student performance

Effective development materials for children

Increased student an teacher accountability

Individualized and comprehensive reporting

At-home activities to better involve parents

5. Emphasis on quality In 2002, a state-funded NC High-quality classroom-


education and recognition of the importance of early learning in 1990s and after led to intervention efforts with at-risk four-year-old children.

initiative called More at Four Pre-Kindergarten was created. Focused on underserved children, especially those who had never before been served in a pre-K program.

based educational program Children served in a variety

of settings (public schools, for-profit and nonprofit child care, Head Start, combination settings)

Financial assistance given Serves diverse groups Detailed planning of

objectives for children

6. Globalization of economy and emphasis on future-focused education in 2000 and after led to recognition of the importance of adapting curriculum to prepare students for the 21st century.

In 2002, a partnership of 27 member organizations was formed to address 21st Century Skills. In 2005, NC created the first Center for 21st

Century Skills. In 2006, NC State Board of Education endorsed a framework for education based on 21st century skills and content – including life skills, 21st century content, core content, thinking skills, and ICT technology skills.

Expanded academic enrichment for children

Opportunities for children and families to learn after school year ends

Tutorial services Art, music, and recreation

programs Helps children meet

standards in reading and math


Career TrendsA trend is an overall direction in which a system is moving or changing.

There are three major categories of trends that affect career opportunities in early childhood education.

1. Societal trends – those that relate collectively to the activities and customs of human beings Increase in dual-career families Increase in single parenting Increasing mobility of population Increasing need for child care Increasingly diverse population

- English as a second language (ESL)- Special populations- Cultural/religious differences

2. Educational trends – those that relate to the system for teaching and learning Rising enrollment in private preschools Increasing emphasis on early childhood education programs Increasing need for teachers Gradual decline in student enrollment

3. Workplace trends – those that relate to the system within which people work Increasing number of elderly in the workplace Increase in entrepreneurships More child care centers on work sites More flexible work schedules and locations Increased availability of family leave

Career Opportunities INEarly Childhood Education

Career Opportunities RELATED TOEarly Childhood Education

Parent education coordinatorInfant teacherToddler teacherPreschool teacherMontessori teacherParent cooperative teacherCenter directorKindergarten teacherKindergarten aide/assistantHead Start teacherSchool-age child care teacher

Adoption counselorAmusement park guideArchitect who designs child care settingsChild custody mediatorChildren’s book authorChildren’s zoo guideFuneral home bereavement counselorFamily and consumer sciences community college instructor or university professorSchool nurse or nurse practitionerSummer camp or sports clinic instructor, counselor, or director



After completing the Early Childhood Education program and graduating from high school, students have two basic options for working in the field --- (1) going to work immediately, or (2) going to school for further education and a degree before seeking employment.

Some early childhood jobs are available immediately, while other careers in and related to early childhood require further education --- college/university, career/trade school, military training, or community college. There are benefits and limitations to each option. These benefits and limitations represent advantages and disadvantages as they are considered in light of an individual’s goals and priorities.

Option A:Going to WORK after high school

Option B:Going to SCHOOL for further education

Benefits Limitations Benefits Limitations

1. Immediate employment and income

1. Lower pay 1. Financially rewarding career

1. Greater initial cost

2. Immediate feeling of accomplishment

2. Entry-level job tasks 2. Opportunities for advancement

2. Longer time to reach career goal

3. Immediate opportunity to practice skills

3. Minimum job benefits 3. Manageable hours and working conditions

3. Entrance requirements

4. Sense of independence 4. Limited variety of jobs 4. Professional status 4. Competitive job market

5. Fewer opportunities for advancement

5. Broad range of majors

6. Can interfere with further education

6. Broad education base

7. Financial assistance available8. Opportunities for continuing education


Key Terms

Leaders in Early Childhood EducationTerm DefinitionGeneral Termscreed A statement of beliefsearly childhood education Education in the early years of life; the field of study that deals

mainly with the learning and experiences of children from infancy through the primary years

pedagogic Of or pertaining to the work of a teacher or to instructional methods

proximal development Potential developmentself-regulation Changing from a dependent infant to a self-regulating adultself-discipline Learning control of oneself, usually for improvementContributions from Abroadatelierista In Reggio schools, an art director who helps teachers and

children express their interests and knowledge in many different media

pedagogista A person trained in early childhood education who meets weekly with teachers in Reggio schools to consider what experiences mean to children, how to help them learn more, and what additional experiences should be planned

id The instinctive part of personality that drives a person to seek satisfaction; part of Sigmund Freud’s contribution

ego The rational part of personality that forms a person’s sense of self; part of Sigmund Freud’s contribution

superego The moral side of personal that tells a person what is right and wrong; part of Sigmund Freud’s contribution

kindergarten In German, a word coined by Froebel in 1837 meaning, literally, “children’s garden”; in America, a school or class for four- to six-year-old children

tabula rasa A mind not yet affected by experiences, sensations, and the like; in John Locke’s theory, a child is born with this “clean slate” on which all experiences are written

American Contributionskindergarteners In 19th century America, a term used to describe early childhood

practitioners who worked in kindergartens patterned after Froebian models

NAEYC National Association for the Education of Young Children; founded by Patty Hill

traditional nursery school A school that nurtures good health and educates young children


Events, Programs, & Initiatives Influencing ECETerm Definition

General Termsprogram A planned, coordinated group of activitiesinitiative An introductory step to begin taking action to reach a goalaccountability The state of being responsible, answerableat-risk In imminent danger of harm, loss, or failureeducating A concept of teaching as both teaching and care-givingrigor Strict, with extremely high standardsTypes of ECE Programschild care center A place for care of children for a large portion of their waking day;

includes basic caretaking activities (eating, dressing, resting, and toileting) as well as playing and learning time

compensatory education Education that is intended to provide what is missing froma child’s experiences or environment

comprehensive A program that is concerned with all types of children’s needs --- physical, intellectual, social, emotional, creative, and health

exemplary Commendable; able to serve as a modelnonprofit Organized to earn only enough income to meet operating expensesfor-profit Organized to earn income above and beyond operating expenseslaboratory school An educational setting whose purposes include experimental study; a

school for testing and analysis of educational or psychological theory and practice, with opportunities for experimentation and observation

partnership Two or more persons or groups sharing in an action or endeavortraditional nursery school

The core of early childhood educational theory and practice; program designed for children aged two-and-a-half to five years; may be part-of-a-day or an all-day program

tutorial Pertaining to private instruction, teaching, or coaching


Trends and Opportunities in Early Childhood EducationTerm DefinitionCareer Trendstrend A direction of change; an overall direction in which a system is movingsocietal Relating to the activities and customs of human beings collectivelyeducational Relating to the system used to impart knowledge and skillsworkplace Relating to the system within which people pursue careers and perform

workdual-career family A family with two “breadwinners,” each working in a different field of

workmobility The amount of movement from place to place.diverse Containing many differencesprivate preschool A preschool that is privately owned and managed, not part of the public

school systemflexible Changeablefamily leave Approved time away from work to attend to family responsibilitiesCareer Opportunitiescoordinator A person who manages parts and people within a system to produce

desired resultsteacher A person who educates; one who imparts knowledge and skillsdirector A person who is in charge of an organization or systemaide A person who helps someone else perform a taskassistant A person who helps someone else perform a taskcounselor A person who gives adviceguide A person who points the way; a person who conducts toursarchitect A person who designs space for living or workingmediator A person in a “middle”position who helps settle a disagreementauthor A writer of an original workinstructor A community college/college/university teacher ranking below an

assistant professorprofessor A college or university teacher of the highest ranknurse A person trained to take care of the sicknurse practitioner One who practices a profession or artcamp director One who manages a camp, usually in the summer


Benefits and Limitations of Career OptionsTerm DefinitionGeneral Termsoption A choice; an alternativeadvantage Any factor that makes desirable results more likely; a

benefitdisadvantage Any factor that makes undesirable results more likely; a

limitationbenefit Anything that is favorable or in one’s best interests; an

advantagelimitation Anything that is unfavorable or not in one’s best interests;

a disadvantageBenefits and Limitationsadvancement Earning a promotion, a title, or an increase in salaryentry-level job A job that is ranked at the bottom of the career ladder in

any field; beginning jobs for people with lesser levels of education

financially rewarding career A career that offers a high rate of pay for servicesimmediate employment The ability to be hired quicklysense of independence The feeling of being on one’s own, not having to rely on

othersmanageable Able to be handled well; not too difficult or stressfulon-the-job training Training done while a person is working to learn skills of

the jobprofessional status Ranked with others who have a college degree and

working in careers that require a college degreemajor A chosen field of study for concentration in a degree

programbroad range of majors A wide range of opportunities from which to select majors

or careersbroad education base Education in a variety of areas of study; a well-rounded

educationcontinuing education Education after high school graduationinitial cost Cost at the beginningcompetitive job market A workplace where many people are applying for a

liimited number of jobsentrance requirements What is necessary to enter a college or universityworking conditions The atmosphere and conditions surrounding a person at

work


Introduction Activity:What is your favorite birthday memory?

What impact, if any, has the Happy Birthday song had on your life?

The song, Happy Birthday, was written by one of the leaders in the history of early childhood education, Patty Hill. Patty Hill is also the founder of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and a person often credited with the modern kindergarten concept. Why do you think these accomplishments would be important to the field of early childhood education today?


Power pointsTeacher’s Guide to PowerPoint Presentation ---http://www.powershow.com/view/3b41c9-NzFiN/The_History_of_Early_Childhood_Education_powerpoint_ppt_presentation

1. The History of Early Childhood EducationSlide Numbers Instructions for Teacher Instructions for Students1 - 2 Read aloud Listen and reflect3 Read question and bullets; pause

for discussionPair and share your earliest and most long-lasting memories

4 Read bullets; pause for discussion Re-pair (with the person on your other side) and share either your happiest, most embarrassing, or scariest memories

5 Read question Listen and reflect

6

Read bullets; ask students:Which of these do you think will be most important for you?Which do you think will help you most as you become an early childhood professional?(See Beginnings and Beyond, Chapter 1, Section 1 for more on the importance of studying ECE history.)

Work in pairs to rank these 7 reasons in order of importance to them. Use the student handout “Priorities in Order,” Appendix 10.01C.

7 Read aloud Listen and anticipate8-9, 11-12, 14-15, 17-18, 20-21, 23-24, 26-27, 29-30, 32-35, 37-38

Ask students to take turns reading bullets, one bullet per person

Each read one bullet. Record contributions of leaders in chart, Appendix 10.01D.

10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 36, 39

Use questions to stimulate class discussion

Participate in class discussion

40-41 Use these frames to summarize the presentation

Participate in discussion

42Use this frame to transition to remaining activities for this objective

Listen and reflect


http://www.powershow.com/view/3b41c9-NzFiN/The_History_of_Early_Childhood_Education_powerpoint_ppt_presentation

http://www.powershow.com/view/3b41c9-NzFiN/The_History_of_Early_Childhood_Education_powerpoint_ppt_presentation

2. Events, Programs & Initiatives Influencing ECESlide Numbers Instructions for Teacher Instructions for StudentsPre-show Ask for 12 volunteers, each to read one

question, as questions 1-12 appear.Watch for your assigned question number as the PowerPoint is shown.

1 Teacher reads title aloud Students listen and reflect2 Inform students that there are many

government programs/initiatives that have impacted early childhood education over the years, but these are the six on which we will focus. Ask students to hold up fingers to show how many they are familiar with. Note that these programs and initiatives have come about as a result of certain historical events and conditions that prevailed at the time.

Hold up one to six fingers to show how many of these six programs/initiatives are familiar

3-14 Cue students as needed.Stop to ask if students understand each question. Discuss as needed.

Read your assigned question as it appears on the screen.

15

Read question aloud. Give students time to ask questions and to talk among themselves about which programs they are most interested in. Make it clear that students may elect to work alone or in teams of either two or three people. State that there must be an individual or team assigned to each question and that teams will function better and work may be divided more equally if all teams are about the same size. Ideally, each team should have just one question, but, if necessary, a team may have two questions. Refer to Appendix 10.02D for details about the assignment.

Ask questions. Talk with other students about the programs/initiatives that are of greatest interest.


3. Benefits and Limitations of Early Childhood CareersSlide Numbers Instructions for Teacher Instructions for Students1 - 8 Introduce the importance of

making good career choicesRead aloud; supply words to fill in blanks; discuss as prompted

9 Read question; pause for students to write in their learning logs

Write in your learning logs what you plan to do after high school graduation

10-12 Read bullets; pause for discussion

Discuss

13-17Before showing 4 benefits, ask what are the benefits of going straight to work after high school graduation.

Name benefits. Check against those on slide. Examine each in detail and discuss.

18-24Before showing 6 limitations, ask what are the limitations of going straight to work after high school graduation.

Name limitations. Check against those on slide. Examine each in detail and discuss.

25-33Before showing 8 benefits, ask what are the benefits of going for further education after high school graduation.

Name benefits. Check against those on slide. Examine each in detail and discuss.

34-38Before showing 4 limitations, ask what are the limitations of going for further education after high school graduation.

Name limitations. Check against those on slide. Examine each in detail and discuss.

39

Have students stop to identify the benefits and limitations that are most relevant to them at this point. Conclude with whole-group discussion.

Select the benefits and limitations that appear most relevant to you at this point. Discuss with a partner.


Priorities in OrderWhy is it important to know about the history of early childhood education?Directions: Complete as you view the power point presentation.

Priority Number

Reasons Student Notes

Provides a sense of support and perspective

Serves as a source of inspiration

Helps teachers develop creative expression

Helps teachers develop better methods of teaching


Creates awareness and understanding of changes in education

Helps individuals get in touch with their own early childhood experiences

Helps individuals develop a philosophy of teaching

(Use the bottom row to add your own ideas about why it is important to know about the history of early childhood education.)


The History of Early Childhood Education Directions: Complete “The History of Early Childhood Education” as you view the power point presentation. Leader Contributions My ViewsJohn Locke

Friedrich Froebel

Sigmund Freud

John Dewey



Margaret McMillan

Rudolph Steiner

Patty Hill

Maria Montessori


Lev Vygotsky

Loris Malaguzzi


My Pedagogic CreedDirections: Use this space or design your own format on which to write 3 to 5 statements that summarize your beliefs about early childhood education.


Investigative Reporting

Organization Cards

Directions: Copy and cut apart. Give each student or pair of student’s one card. Have them find the answer to that one question.

Use the “Investigative Reporting Assignment” handout to organize into teams to gather information and prepare to make PowerPoint presentations on historical events, programs, and initiatives influencing early childhood education.

Be encouraged to be creative in selecting sources of information --- including Internet websites, and live interviews.

Students may visit websites such as the Head Start bureau website, www.headstartbureau.com, as well as use course textbooks and references such as Beginnings and Beyond. They may want to contact agencies and centers in the community.

Questions to Identify Causes Questions to Identify Effects

What historical events led to Kaiser Centers? How have Kaiser Centersinfluenced early childhood education?

What historical events led to Head Start? How has Head Startinfluenced early childhood education?

What events led toSmart Start?

How has Smart Startinfluenced early childhood education?

What events led toNo Child Left Behind?

How has No Child Left Behindinfluenced early childhood education?

What events led toMore at 4 Pre-K?

How has More at 4 Pre-Kinfluenced early childhood education?

What events led to21st Century Skills?

How has 21st Century Skillsinfluenced early childhood education?


Investigative Reporting AssignmentEach team or individual will gather information from a variety of sources to learn more about one of the selected government programs/initiatives that have influenced or are influencing early childhood education:

1. Kaiser Child Care Centers 4. No Child Left Behind

2. Head Start 5. More at Four Pre-Kindergarten

3. Smart Start 6. 21st Century Skills.

Each individual or team will choose one or two of the twelve questions presented in the PowerPoint. There are two questions for each program/initiative --- one question about the events that led to the development of that program (cause), and one question about the effect that the program had or is having on early childhood education.

Use one or more of the following types of information sources:

1. Computer - Internet websites, Email interviews

2. Live interviews – in person or by telephone

3. Print media - books, journals, magazines, newsletters, brochures

Look for information that answers and elaborates on the questions found in the PowerPoint. Separate information into two categories: (1) Information about historical events that led to the program or initiative and (2) Information about the influence this program/initiative has had/is having/is expected to have on early childhood education.

Summarize findings on PowerPoint slides and present to the class. Your original slides may be merged within the PowerPoint included in this guide to organize a logical flow of information. Students are encouraged to incorporate clip art and other graphics to make their presentations interesting. Students may present information in creative ways --- e.g., as


Causes and Effects

Directions: Use this 2-page chart to record details as specificed: Column 1 --- Historical events that led to each government program/initiative Column 2 --- Details about the government program/initiative Column 3 --- Ways in which the program/initiative made an impact.

CAUSE:Historical Events

RESULT:Government Programs/Initiatives

EFFECT:Impact on Early Childhood Education

Kaiser Child Care Centers

Head Start

Smart Start


CAUSE:Historical Events

RESULT:Government Programs/Initiatives

EFFECT:Impact on Early Childhood Education

No Child Left Behind

More at Four Pre-K

21st Century Skills


Trends Affecting Careers in Child Care and Teaching

Directions: Use a colored pencil or highlighter to shade in the trends that you believe are most likely to affect your career choices.


Careers In and Related to Early Childhood Education


RELATED TOList careers related to early childhood education:

Amusement park guide

INList careers in early childhood education:

Director

ECE Career in BriefDirections: Investigate the traits, attitudes, skills and abilities associated with your chosen career. Write a summary of your findings on the briefcase below.


21 Careers --- What Do They Do?

Directions: Label each of the triangles with the name of a career in or related to early childhood education. In the same triangle, list tasks done by a person who works in this career on a typical day at work.


Teacher Directions: Copy on card stock; cut along lines. Use to play charades.

Directions for Play: Have each team draw a card, plan how to act out what a person in the career on the card would typically do at work, and select a team member to act it out while the members of the other team attempt to guess the career. At the end, have students discuss what they learned from the activity about what people do in specific careers in early childhood education.

Parent education coordinator Infant teacher Toddler teacher

Preschool teacher Montessori teacher Parent cooperative teacher

Center director Kindergarten teacher Kindergarten aide/assistant

Head Start teacher School-age child care teacher Adoption counselor

Amusement park guide Architect who designschild care settings Child custody mediator

Children’s book author Children’s zoo guide Funeral homebereavement counselor

Family and consumersciences teacher

School nurse/nurse practitioner Summer camp instructor


Trends --- Recall & Exemplify

Directions: The following trends can be classified as societal, educational, or workplace. Place an (S) in the blank for societal, (E) educational, or (W) workplace. Then find and record an example or evidence of each trend.

Trends in Early Childhood Education Type:S, E, W?

Example or Evidence

Family leave

Increase in dual-career families

Gradual decline in student enrollment

Increase in single parenting

Rising enrollment in private preschools

Flexible work schedules and locations

Increasing emphasis on early childhood education programs

Child care centers on work sites

Increasing need for teachers

Increase in entrepreneurships

Increasing number of elderly in the workplace

Increasing mobility of population

Increasing need for child care

Increasingly diverse population


SEW Trends Have each student select a trend affecting ECE and develop an 8.5 x 5.5-inch design, either by hand or computer, to illustrate that trend. See sample and template in Appendices 10.01B, C.

Designs may be: (a) sketches, photos, clip art, graphics; (b) collages; (c) cartoons; or (d) newspaper headlines.

Have students use their trends designs to prepare SEW lace-up cards. Have them reproduce their designs either on cover stock or sticker paper and attach to cardboard, then hole-punch around edges. Their SEW lace-up cards can be used by children at the internship site.







Interview of Early Childhood Professionals

Suggested Interview QuestionsDirections: Review these interview questions, and add oneoriginal question of your own.

1. What are your major job responsibilities?

2. How much education do I need to do your job?

3. Are their possibilities of advancement?

4. What are your working hours?

5. Does this career offer benefits?

6. What characteristics do I need to do the job?

7. Do-It-Yourself question:


Going Straight to Work after High School

The decision to go straight to work after high school carries with it both benefits and limitations. Evaluate how important each of these benefits and limitations is in your life. Add additional benefits and limitations that you feel are needed. Number the entire two lists of benefits and limitations in priority order from most important to least important with “1” meaning “most important.”

Benefits

_____Immediate employment

_____Feeling of accomplishment

_____Putting skills into practice before they are forgotten

_____On-the-job training _____Independence

_____

_____

_____

Limitations

_____Lower paying jobs

_____Entry-level jobs only

_____Minimum benefits

_____Limited variety of jobs

_____

_____

_____


SummaryUse this space to summarize how your priorities affect your plans for the future at this point.

Going on for Further Education after High School

The decision to go on for further study after high school carries with it both benefits and limitations. Add other items to the list if you wish. Evaluate how important each of these benefits and limitations is in your life. Number the entire two lists of benefits and limitations in priority order from most important to least important with “1” meaning “most important.”

Benefits_____Financially rewarding career

_____Opportunities for promotion

_____Manageable hours

_____Desirable working conditions

_____Professional status

_____Broad range of majors

_____Broad education base

_____Financial assistance available

_____Opportunities for continuing education and advancement_____

Limitations

_____Greater cost

_____Longer period required to reach goal

_____Entrance requirements

_____Competitive job market


SummaryUse this space to summarize how your priorities affect your plans for the future at this point.

FCCLA in action:

Have students use career information learned in this unit to prepare for the Career Investigations

competition in FCCLA. Find detailed guidelines and other information about this event in the

National FCCLA Star Events manual.

Have students work independently to prepare an illustrated talk on trends that affect careers in

child care and teaching for a class FCCLA competition, the Illustrated Talk. Consult the

National FCCLA STAR Events Manual for guidelines and procedures. Have students use the

Internet to research trends and gather information. Suggested websites are listed in pages that

follow. Secure three evaluators to hear talks and rate students’ performance. Arrange to have

your class winner participate in the next level FCCLA competition in the Illustrated Talk event.

Have students read the book Child Care in the 1990’s: Trends and Consequences. Ask the

students to answer the question, “What trends influence careers in child care and teaching?”


Sample Test Questions:

1. Which is an example of the strategy of satisfying legal requirements to work in the field of early childhood careers?a. Beverly took her birth certificate as proof of age when she went to articulate credit for

EDU 119 at the community college. b. Calvin went to get a flu shot before beginning his part-time job at the child care

center. c. Dora signed the application form in black ink so that it would look professional.d. Evan obtained a background check to show that he did not have a criminal record.

2. Barry showed his portfolio to a committee responsible for awarding financial aid at the college where he planned to major in Elementary Education. Which purpose of early childhood portfolios is this?a. To apply for a volunteer experienceb. To carry to an employment interviewc. To carry to a scholarship interviewd. To seek enrollment in a school or course

3. Carl placed photos in his portfolio to show that he had worked with six-year-olds at a summer camp for two summers. Which type of samples and evidences for early childhood portfolios is this?a. Documentation of experienceb. Evidence of developmental knowledgec. Evidence of skillsd. Work samples

4. Noah decided to include work samples from his senior project in his portfolio because they really showed the quality of his work better than any other samples he had. Which guiding question for organizing and polishing portfolios is this?a. Does the portfolio have a professional appearance?b. Does the material add value to the portfolio?c. Have you shown that you have a wide range of skills?d. Have you used self-reflection to identify your strengths?

5. Pam carried her early childhood portfolio to the interview, but failed to use it because the interviewers never asked to see it. What should Pam have done differently?a. Ask the interviewer if she could bring the portfolio another timeb. Not prepare a portfolio since it does not relate to early childhood careersc. Not write the speech word for wordd. Show parts of the portfolio as they relate to questions asked



Documents

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