Swim ppt ch05

Chapter 5

Effective Preparation and Tools for Professional Educators

©2014 Cengage Learning.All Rights Reserved.

Characteristics of a Competent Early Childhood Educator

• Early Childhood Educators are Physically and Mentally Healthy– Physical health provides energy– Emotional stability helps deal with stress– Positive Self-Image• Gives you strength to make decisions

– Caring and respectful• Brings pleasure, enjoyment and satisfaction

– Professional• Striving to do your best


Acquiring Knowledge

• About Yourself• About Children• About Families• About Early Care and Education– Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

• About program implementation• About partnerships– Families, Colleagues, Community

• About advocacy©2014 Cengage Learning.

All Rights Reserved.

Professional Preparation of the Early Childhood Educator

• Informal opportunities• Formal opportunities– Mentorship– Workshops, seminars, speakers, continuing education

courses– Vocational school courses– Community College and University courses– Child Development Associate (CDA) preparation

programs– College or University degrees


Impact of Teacher Education on Quality of Care and Education

• A question: Does teacher preparation make a difference in the quality of care and education provided and child outcomes?– Because teachers of infants and toddlers are

more likely to have lower level of education and early years are critical to brain development, we can no longer ignore this question


Observing Young Children to Make Educational Decisions

• You cannot plan appropriate curriculum or be attuned to a toddler if you have not observed what the child is trying to accomplish

• Play close attention to why you are gathering data, how you are gathering data, and how it is analyzed


Observing Young Children to Make Educational Decisions

• Observe and Record– Why Observe?• Planning requires specific, detailed knowledge

– Who to Observe?– What to Observe?– Why Record?– How to Observe and Record?• Narratives, checklists, rating scales, authentic

documentation– Analysis


Spotlight on Research

• Culturally Appropriate Assessment– Teachers must see that:• Assessment instruments are used as designed• Results of assessment are interpreted through

a particular cultural lens• We are culturally competent in screening


Checkpoint Discussion Questions

• What are important knowledge bases for professional educators to have? Why?

• How do partnerships with families and community agencies help to promote the development and well-being of very young children?

• Discuss with someone your understanding of the concept “developmentally appropriate practice.” How can you learn more about this idea?



• Name at least 5 different experiences that early childhood professionals can have that result in the growth of their professional knowledge and skills.

• How does formal and informal education help early childhood teachers to be more effective in their various roles?



• Why must teachers observe and record the behavior of infants and toddlers? What observation tools will (or do) you use most often? Why? What are the benefits to you, the children, and families when using these tools?

• List four available community resources and explain how each can be used to add value and resources to your child care program.
