INTRODUCTION TO EARLY

CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

ET-ECE-1: Demonstrate employability skills

required by business and industry.

ET-ECE-3:Analyze career paths within early

childhood education and care.

Sometimes I lie awake at night and wonder why I teach.

Why I come to school each day concerned with who I reach.

 When I see a hurting child I

always worry … Why?Joe is sick and Tom is hurt, Jill’s

boyfriend made her cry. 

Why should I care at 4 o’clock what happens to these kids?I’m paid to teach – not get involved! Love them? God

Forbid!!! 

Sometimes I lie awake at night and wonder why I teach.

The answer lies, so deep inside … There’s always one I reach.

ET-ECE-1: Demonstrate employability skills required by business and industry.

The following elements will be introduced and integrated throughout the content of this course.

1.1 Communicate effectively through writing, speaking, listening, reading, and interpersonal abilities.

1.2 Demonstrate creativity with multiple approaches to ask challenging questions resulting in innovative

procedures, methods, and products.1.3 Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills to locate, analyze, and apply information in career planning

and employment situations.1.4 Model work readiness traits required for success in

the workplace including integrity, honesty, accountability, punctuality, time management, and respect for diversity.

1.5 Apply the appropriate skill sets to be productive in a changing, technological, and diverse workplace to be able

to work independently, interpret data, and apply team work skills.

1.6 Present a professional image through appearance, behavior, and language.

STANDARDS

STANDARDS

ET-ECE-3: Analyze career paths within early childhood education and care.

3.1 Describe career opportunities in early childhood care and education.

3.2 Explore opportunities for employment and entrepreneurial endeavors. Examine a variety of early

childhood care and education settings. 3.3 Review the CDA Resource file requirements and begin

assembly of a portfolio for this pathway.

WHAT IS EARLY CHILDHOOD?

Period from birth to nine years of age.

What personal characteristics are needed to be successful in this field?

Is there a need for people trained in early childhood? What employment opportunities are available in the

early childhood field? What are the job responsibilities of early childhood

educators? What are values? What is the relationship between values and ethics? How important are values and ethics in the early

childhood education field?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

BELL RINGERThe dictionary defines the term job as a small miscellaneous piece of

work undertaken on order at a stated rate.

A career as a profession for which

one trains and which is undertaken as a

permanent calling. What does your parent or guardian do? Would you consider it a job or career? What is your opinion of this job or

career?

Please ensure that your sourcebook is organized

properly:

•Cover PageNameBlock

2014-2015Intro to ECE

•Table of Contents (2 pages- front only)

•Section 1- Bell Ringers(30 sheets)

•Section 2- Notes(40 sheets)

•Section 3- Observation Journal

(20 sheets)

ORGANIZATIONPlease ensure that your SOURCEBOOK

is organized properly. It must consist of the following:

* Cover Page Name Period

2014-2015 Intro to ECE/ Intro to Culinary

Arts

* Table of Contents (2 pages- front only)

• Section 1- Bell Ringers (20 Pages)• Section 2- Notes (60 Pages)

• Section 3- Observation Journal/ Lab Report (20 Pages)

*In order to ensure that your Sourcebook is not lost, please place them where they have been designated to go (assignment collection table/filing cabinet)

Please ensure that your NOTEBOOK is organized properly. It must consist of the following:

*Cover Page Name Period

2014-2015 Intro to ECE/ Intro to

Culinary Arts

*Rules and Procedures Sheet

*Grade Sheet w/Signature Page

*Divider for each standard

-Page after each tab with the Standard, I Can Statements,

Essential Questions

Sourcebook Notes

Define the vocabulary terms

Answer the following questions: Name two changes from each area (families,

employer attitudes, education attitudes, educational studies, benefits to the economy) that makes child care teachers necessary.

Name five characteristics of a successful teacher.

Name two abilities of effective early childhood teachers.

How are we affected by our values? Name three professional priorities. Name three teacher responsibilities. List and describe the Early Childhood

Programs (11). List the licensing rules and regulations (12).

Reminders

*If you have not purchased a composition

notebook, 3 ring binder notebook or dividers, make sure

you do so.

*Submit the following assignments if you have not already

done so.-All About Me Poem

-Article-Letter to the Teacher

-FCCLA Artwork-FCCLA WebQuest

Label: Date/ Standards 1 & 3 (Employability Skills-Career Paths)

ECE TERMINOLOGY

Self-Assessment Values Professional Priorities Resume Cover Letter Networking Letter Hidden Job Market Networking Teaching Portfolio Attitude Confidentiality Role Role Strain

Early Childhood Prekindergarten (PK) Nanny Au pair Licensing Specialist Entrepreneur Child Development

Associate (CDA) Credential

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

Ethics

Custodial Care Checking-In Services Licensing Rules and

Regulations Child Care License Accredited

Self-Assessment- the process of examining your interests, abilities, values, and professional priorities.

Values-beliefs, feelings, and ideas about what is important. Professional Priorities- global aspects of work that are important to a person’s

satisfaction. Resume- a brief summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience. Cover Letter- a letter of introduction that is usually included when sending a resume. Networking Letter- letter that inform employers that your are available for

employment. Hidden Job Market- jobs advertised informally through personal contacts. Networking-process of building relationships with people who can help you. Teaching Portfolio- serves a professional snapshot of your efforts, progress, and

achievements. Attitude- outlook on life Confidentiality- not sharing information with others beyond what is required by your

work. Role-set of responsibilities that accompanies a position you hold in life. Role Strain- type of stress created by being unable to successfully balance multiple

roles. Early Childhood- period from birth to nine years of age. Prekindergarten (PK)- full range of early childhood programs.

ECE TERMINOLOGY

Nanny- provides care in a child’s home. Au pair- a person from a foreign country who lives with a family and

performs tasks similar to those of a nanny. Licensing Specialist- protects and promotes the health, safety, and welfare

of children attending centers. Entrepreneur- person who creates and runs his or her own business. Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential-for those who have taken

postsecondary courses in child care education and have demonstrated their ability to work with young children.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)- set of guidelines that focus on the outcomes of learning activities.

Ethics- guiding set of moral principles. Custodial Care-type of care that focuses primarily on meeting the child’s

physical needs. Checking-In Services-services that hire workers who call the home to check

whether the child has arrived safely. Licensing Rules and Regulations-standards set to ensure that uniform and

safe practices are followed. Child Care License- state-provided certificate granting permission to operate

a child care center or family child care home. Accredited-certifies that a set of standards has been met by an early

childhood program.

ECE TERMINOLOGY

YOU: Working with Young ChildrenLearning about the responsibilities

and characteristics of child care teachers can help you decide if a

career in this field is for you.

Social and Economic Changes

Changes in FamiliesWomen are becoming more highly educated.Married couples are having fewer children.More young adults are getting married early in life. In a better position financially.Smaller family size = more to spend on child care.Many families need a second paycheck.Women return to work quicker after birth.62% of mothers work outside the home.5% of preschoolers cared for by their own mothers at workMany working mothers are widowed, divorced, or singleFamilies see the value of early childhood programs.

Changes in Employers AttitudesPositive effects on recruitment, morale, and productivity.Turnover and absenteeism are reduced.Better public relations, tax benefits, ease of scheduling, and improved quality of the workforce.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR CHILD CARE

TEACHERS?

Changes in Education Attitudes2 out of 3 children (67%) participate in an early childhood program.Most parents are becoming more aware of their child’s developmental needs.Advocates are working toward greater allocation of public education dollars for young children.

Social and Economic Changes

Educational StudiesFirst five years of life are a critical period in development.Children involved in early learning experiences are more successful in school, as well as later in life.Programs nurture children.Prepare children to reach school ready to learn.Children who get a good start are less likely to have behavioral problems.They are less likely to be referred to special education.Students in a high-quality preschool program fare better than those who did not participate in early education.Fewer of these children commit crimes or require special education.They earn better grades.More graduate from high school and enjoy higher earnings.They make less use of welfare and pay higher taxes.

Benefits to the EconomyShow that preschool education is a sound economic investment.Saves taxpayers future costs.Pays great returns to children.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR CHILD CARE

TEACHERS?

Know the Characteristics of Successful Teachers

Has a positive attitude and a sense of humor

Is fond of children Relates easily and spontaneously to

others Is patient, confident, and caring Is creative and resourceful Is dependable and reliable Is a keen observer Solves problems well and makes

sound decisions Is flexible and adapts well to the

requirements of others Is compassionate, accepting

children’s strong emotions such as anger, love, and wonder

Enjoys challenges and is willing and able to grow

Takes initiative in the classroom Has knowledge in curriculum, child

growth and development, assessment, and child guidance

Keeps abreast of changes in the field by reading, attending conferences, seminars, and courses

Desires continuous learning Becomes an active member of

professional organizations Can judge several activities at once Feels rewarded by even minimal

progress Communicates and resolves conflicts

well Has a lot of energy Has a strong sense of ethical

behavior Uses reflection to improve practices

HOW DO YOU BECOME AN EFFECTIVE CHILD CARE

TEACHER?

Analyze Your Interests and Abilities

How do you spend your time? What are your hobbies?

Do you enjoy learning? Which courses in school have you found most interesting?

Do you prefer working independently or working with others?

Do you prefer working with people, information, or objects?

Which career fields do you find most exciting? What abilities do you have?

HOW DO YOU BECOME AN EFFECTIVE CHILD CARE

TEACHER?

Abilities of Effective Early Childhood Teachers

Plan developmentally appropriate themes, lessons, activity areas, schedules, and routines.

Lead group activities and assisting children in activity areas as needed.

Match guidance and communication techniques to children’s developmental ages

Set and enforce needed limits for children’s health, safety, and healthy development.

Provide comfort, nurturance, affection, and effective praise.

Offer constant supervision to all children throughout all daily activities.

Demonstrate appropriate physical care techniques to keep children safe and healthy.

HOW DO YOU BECOME AN EFFECTIVE CHILD CARE

TEACHER?

HUMAN CONTINUUM

*Examining your values and professional priorities will help you determine whether working with young children will be a satisfying career choice for you.*

REALIZE THE

VALUE…..

To realizeThe value of a sister/brotherAsk someoneWho doesn't have one.

To realizeThe value of ten years:Ask a newlyDivorced couple.

To realizeThe value of four years:Ask a graduate.

To realizeThe value of one year:Ask a student whoHas failed a final exam.

To realizeThe value of nine months:Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realizeThe value of one month:Ask a motherWho has given birth toA premature baby.

To realizeThe value of one week:Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realizeThe value of one minute:Ask a personWho has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realizeThe value of one second:Ask a personWho has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more whenYou can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

Beliefs, feelings, and ideas about what is important

Our values affect our decisions, goals and behavior.

They are standards to guide your actions, judgments and attitudes.

They define what is of worth, what is beneficial and what is harmful.

Values come from our homes, school, society, friends, TV, church, music, books, families, culture, etc.

Different people and things influence you at different ages:Ages 1-7: ParentsAges 8-13: Teachers, HeroesAges 14-20: PeersAges 21+: Your values are

established, but you may test your values from time to time.

Professional Priorities Helping or providing service to others Feeling a sense of accomplishment Working as a team member Having a leadership role Gaining recognition Earning a high salary Being competitive Working independently Making a contribution to society through

your work

Teacher Responsibilities

To Know How Children Grow and Develop To Plan a Developmentally Appropriate

Curriculum To Prepare the Environment To Communicate Effectively To Demonstrate Teamwork To Manage Time Wisely To Participate in Professional Organizations To Follow Ethical Standards To Continue to Learn

Employee Responsibilities

Attendance and Punctuality

Professional Appearance

Positive AttitudeConfidentiality

A Career for YOU in Early Childhood Education

CDA COMPETENCY GOALS AND FUNCTIONAL AREAS

I. To establish and maintain a safe, healthy and learning environment

1. Safe2. Healthy3. Learning Environment

II. To advance physical and intellectual competence4. Physical5. Cognitive6. Communication7. Creative

III. To support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance

8. Self9. Social10. Guidance

IV. To establish positive and productive relationships with families11. Families

V. To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs

12. Program ManagementVI. To maintain a commitment to professionalism

13. Professionalism

Education and Training Needed to Work with Young Children

Career Opportunities in Early Childhood

Nanny Au pair Kindergarten

Teacher Early Childhood

Assistant Associate Teacher Child Care Teacher Director

Family Child Care Home

Licensing Specialist Parent Educator Community

Recreation Leader Classroom Instructor Children’s Entertainer Social Worker Counselor Therapists Health Care Provider Entrepreneur

Tools to Prepare for a Career in

Early Childhood Education

Resume

Cover Letter

Networking

Letter

Avenues for Seeking Employment

Teaching

Portfolio

The Interview

Types of Early Childhood Programs

Family Child Care Homes- child care is provided in a private home with a small number of children.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten- program sponsored at the state level for 3-4 year old children in which a high-quality; literary-rich environment is provided

Child Care Centers- facilities that offer full-day children’s programs.

Montessori Schools- school that believes in self-education; for children to “learn how to learn.”

Head Start- provides child care and education for four-and five-year-olds from low-income families.Kindergarten- schools that are usually restricted to children who are at least four years old that emphasizes play.

School-Age Child Care-provide care for children (ages 5-10 years old most often) before and/or after school.

Parent Cooperatives- formed and run by parents who wish to take part in their children’s preschool experience.

Laboratory Schools- programs located on a postsecondary or college campus that support practical experiences for future teachers and serve as a study group for research.

High School Child Care Program- like the laboratory schools, these programs train future high school child care professionals.

Early Childhood Centers- centers that operate based on sponsorship: public, private, and employer- sponsored

Licensing Rules and Regulations Admission procedures and

enrollment records Physical space requirement Written policies and record

keeping Adult-child ratios Staff characteristics Personnel policies Safety procedures Daily schedule Transportation policies Health procedures Foodservice and nutrition Parent involvement

Accreditation Categories~ Self-Study•Evaluation Processes•Curriculum•Administration•Health and Safety•Physical Environment•Staff Qualification and Development•Staff-Children Interactions•Staff-Parent Interactions•Staffing Patterns•Nutrition and Food Services

Career Researc

h Working with Children Research PowerPoint

Cover Page (Name, Course, Block, Assignment)

Career Research -Description -List of Duties -Education/Training/

Certification -Professional Organizations -Salary Range -Places you can work -Skills and Qualities

Help Wanted Ad- CareerBuilder.com

(Business Info, Job Requirement/

Experience) Resume Cover Letter Resources

*Clock Buddies (Schedule)Presentation -Present 3 Minutes to 10 peers

Saving Your WorkName-Assignment-Class/Block

Resources

www.gacollege411.org

www.careerbuilder.com

DUE BY

Go to gacollege411- Career Planning- Get a Job- Resume/Cover Letter Builder (Information should come from Career Research & Want Ad

PLACE THIS INFO ON

INDEX CARD

Child-Related CareersMedical: Audiologist Child Psychiatrist Dental Hygienist Dietitian and Nutritionist Midwife Nurse Practitioner Obstetrical RN Pediatrician Pediatric Dentist Pediatric Medical Assistant Pediatric Rehabilitation Counselor Pediatric/ School Nurse Rehabilitation TherapistMiscellaneous: Author, Children's books Camp Counselor Camp Director Children’s Fashion Designer Clown/ Entertainer Day Care Center Director House Parent, Halfway House Illustrator, Children’s Books Magician Nanny/ Au Pair Sales Representative, Child Care Products Scout Leader Photographer Physical Education Instructor Radio/ TV/ Theatre Performer Youth Minister

Educational/School: Coach Child Care Teacher/Aide Children's Librarian Elementary School Teacher Elementary School Guidance Counselor Health Educator Nursery, Preschool &

Kindergarten Teacher Music Teacher Parent Educator Physical Education Teacher School Social Worker Special Education Teacher Art Teacher

Social Service:4H SpecialistAbuse Registry CounselorAdoption CounselorArt/ Music TherapistCaseworkerChild AdvocateChild Welfare WorkerChildren’s LibrarianChild Care LobbyistChild Care Worker/ ProviderChild Development/ GuidanceSpecialistChild Protection Social WorkerChild Psychologist/ PsychiatristChild Life Specialist

Social Service cont.:Child Support EnforcementSpecialistChildren, Youth & FamilyCounselorExtension SpecialistHead Start Program DirectorJuvenile OfficerMental Health CounselorRecreation LeaderRecreation TherapistSocial WorkerSpeech/ Language PathologistYouth Services Coordinator