Communication.. Key to working with children

Edited by Dr. Vivian G. Baglien as adapted from Dr. Yvonne Gentzler

To Communicate EffectivelyAs a teacher, positive communication skills

help you toform and maintain a close relationship with the

children in your careexchange information with parents and

guardiansform meaningful relationships with colleagues

To Demonstrate Teamwork

Staff in early childhood programs need to work as a team, which helps tomake coworkers feel respected and importantshow empathy by recognizing others’ feelingsshare ideas and informationencourage meaningful interactions with

childrenresolve conflicts effectively

To Manage Time WiselyTime management skills help teachers

work smarter, not harderorganize time set prioritiesdistinguish between important and urgent

mattersmake good choices and use time wisely

To Participate in Professional OrganizationsProfessional organizations help you keep up

with current developments in the fieldNational Association for the Education of

Young Children (NAEYC) Family, Career and Community Leaders of

America (FCCLA)National Child Care AssociationNational Head Start Association

DiscussHow can professional organizations help you

find career opportunities in the field?

To Follow Ethical StandardsWhen working with young children, rely on

your ethics to help make tough decisionsMaintain the highest standards of professional

conduct Follow the code of ethical conduct created by

NAEYC for early childhood professionalsChoose ethical behavior, which is not always

easy

NAEYC; code of ethical conduct• Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage ofthe human life cycle• Base our work on knowledge of how children developand learn• Appreciate and support the bond between the childand family• Recognize that children are best understood and supportedin the context of family, culture,* community, andsociety• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of eachindividual (child, family member, and colleague)• Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues• Recognize that children and adults achieve their fullpotential in the context of relationships that are basedon trust and respect

To Continue to LearnProfessional development is ongoingLifelong learners utilize

conferencesin-service trainingcourse workjournalsstudy groupsbooks

Characteristics of Successful TeachersFondness for

childrenPatienceCompassionConfidence

Sense of humorCommitmentPersonal desirePhysical and

mental health

Fondness for ChildrenThe most important trait of an early

childhood teacher is fondness for childrenEstablish rapport with childrenMake children feel understood and acceptedShow love for each childBe kind, firm, and understanding

PatienceEffective teachers allow children time to

explore, solve problems, and create

continued

PatienceYoung children need to

have extra time to complete taskshave the opportunity to repeat tasksbe able to repeat questions

Compassion

Compassionate teachers accept others without prejudiceAccept any emotion from othersAre sensitive to both positive and negative

feelingsCompliment children for their successesAvoid actions that make children feel

worthlessHelp children understand feelings of others

Confidence

Having confidence in your abilities helps you relax in the classroomHave a calming effect on the childrenMake sensible decisionsStand by your choices so children accept

them

Sense of HumorChildren enjoy adults who have a

sense of humorChildren relax and feel contentChildren tend to be more positive

and cheerfulWork is more enjoyableYou see the humor in situationsYou laugh with the children

CommitmentMeeting the demands of the field requires

commitmentBe an expert in child development, guidance,

and curriculumKeep up with current developmentsBe fully prepared for all activitiesBalance the pace of the activitiesProvide appropriate curriculum

Personal DesireKnowing you really want to teach

young children is important to your successExamine your

interests feelings satisfactions

Physical and Mental HealthTeaching young children is

demanding physically and mentallyTo be alert and able to multi-task,

eat nutritious mealsget enough sleepstay physically activelearn 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.

ReflectWhat are some of the qualities you possess

that would make you a good early childhood teacher?

ReviewTrue 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?

Glossaryau 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.

Glossarydevelopmentally 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.

Glossaryethics. 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.

Glossarynanny: A child care worker who usually

provides care in the child’s home and may receive food and housing in addition to wages.

Glossaryprekindergarten (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.