Introduction
Professionals in the field of child education must possess the information, skills, and abilities essential to their students’ success. Child psychology and development processes, pedagogical skills, and the capacity to establish a secure and encouraging classroom setting for better learning engagements are viable competencies of an educator. Solid educational background is another integral consideration that ensures adherence to the academic standards of excellence (Nutbrown, 2021). Therefore, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of the competencies required in the early childhood profession and recommendations of principles such as Bandura’s social learning theory and the creative curriculum, which promotes integrative learning.
Interview Summary
Early childhood education is the foundation of a child’s overall development. The teacher is responsible for enhancing the acquisition of skills that promote understanding of daily living activities. Therefore, continuous career development and training are integral for teachers, as it ensure that they are equipped with the skills necessary to facilitate the child’s development. Some states require the teacher to have a high school diploma to be eligible to teach, while others prefer bachelor’s degree holders. Besides the educational qualification, soft skills, including team engagement and leadership, are mandatory since they ensure the teacher is all-rounded in everything to facilitate better learning.
Another key point is that the job description is unrestricted to the stipulated duties, considering that kindergarten teachers must also act as the child’s guardian to ensure the child’s safety and satisfaction in their learning environment. For instance, feeding children at the kindergarten level requires the teacher to be aware of how to attend to the child’s needs effectively. This competency aligns with those learned in psychology, considering that the teacher must know that poor-feeding babies require additional motivation and attention to feed. This expertise is not learned in the Early Childhood curriculum but is an integral competency for a successful educator. Therefore, continuous learning and experience facilitate better development among children in their tender years.
Information from the interview shows that early childhood education requires an intensive commitment to career development and empathy for the children for effective practice. For instance, the varying requirements for educators depending on the state has made me understand the need for continuous upgrades and development. Therefore, one must be updated on all the advances in education to ensure that they are aware of the new trends in teaching to maintain quality.
Key Issue
The role of technology in early childhood education cannot be ignored since it promotes a collaborative environment for learning. Young children can discover, create, and express themselves creatively with the help of today’s technological tools. Computers, tablets, and smartphones can help students improve their reading, math, and problem-solving abilities (Dore & Dynia, 2020). The potential for teamwork, open dialogue, and original thought are all enhanced by technological advancements.
Online books, educational games, and interactive storytelling apps are just a few examples of the kinds of digital resources that can be used to augment already existing early childhood programs through the use of technology. Digitalized tools can also supplement conventional pursuits, such as teaching kids how to code robots, design 3D environments, and make digital artwork (Dore & Dynia, 2020). Technological advances also support educator-led activities, such as developing digital storybooks and incorporating data analysis into lesson planning, which is essential for learning.
Parental participation in early education programs is crucial, and technology can help foster this. In addition to facilitating communication between educators and their students’ families, online portals can be used to publicize upcoming events and distribute educational materials (Lara & Saracostti, 2019). Technology can foster a sense of belonging by bringing together students, parents, and educators, promoting collective engagement. This factor indicates that teachers must also be tech-savvy to ensure that they enhance a better experience for the learner.
Learning Approach
One theory of learning associated with continuous development and discovery is the creative curriculum approach which focuses on challenging people to new ideas and engagements to promote learning. The goal of the creative curriculum approach is to help children reach their full potential in the early years of their education through the use of a well-rounded, age-appropriate program (Tiefenthaler & Van Nice, 2018). It stresses the significance of a child’s social and physical contexts to their growth and education (Tiefenthaler & Van Nice, 2018). Therefore, the learning approach highlights the value of having meaningful conversations with kids, where they can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
The creative curriculum focuses on five key areas: students’ social and emotional growth, their physical growth and health, their language and literacy skills, their math and science abilities, and their artistic and creative expression (Estes & Krogh, 2012). Each of these topics has its own goals and exercises designed to get students thinking critically and creatively about new ways to approach old problems and uncover uncharted territory, promoting quality learning models. In addition, the curriculum offers instruction on how to make the classroom a better place for students to learn (Tiefenthaler & Van Nice, 2018). For example, the creative curriculum encourages teachers to provide children with various age-appropriate materials, activities, and opportunities to explore different learning resources. Therefore, when advocating for continuous change and development, the creative curriculum is the best approach, considering that it promotes new ideas, such as technologically programmed activities that contribute to quality experience in learning.
Theory
Education is an invaluable tool for discovery, meaning that individuals must continuously seek new phenomena and explore beyond the boundaries to make lasting discoveries. This factor indicates that the environment or resources available to an individual can shape their learning positively or negatively depending on the impact of the approach used. This theory highlights the significance of observational learning, replication, and social reinforcement in learning (Estes & Krogh, 2012). The concept of replication is the most significant, considering that it sponsors the aspect of discovery and practice beyond what is typical. This factor promotes discovery and finding motivations from like-minded individuals in an environment.
The Bandura Theory of Social Learning can help guide the selection of positive role models, which is the first application of the Bandura Theory of Social Learning to quality programming for young children (Estes & Krogh, 2012). Observing these models allows children to learn and practice desirable behavior, values, and skills. This is especially important in early philosophy childhood when children are still developing the cognitive and social-emotional skills required for self-regulation and positive interactions with peers and adults.
The philosophy also emphasizes the importance of providing children with a safe, supportive environment where they can explore, learn, and express themselves without fear of repercussions. Children learn to trust adults and form meaningful relationships when a safe, supportive environment is provided (Estes & Krogh, 2012). This strategy can also boost their self-esteem and confidence, leading to more positive behaviors and attitudes and motivating them to become innovative and creative in their learning engagements. The theory also supports positive reinforcement and rewards, which encourage the repetition of desirable behaviors.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Developmentally appropriate practices are customized to a child’s age, abilities, and interests. An educator can create activities and experiences tailored to individual needs by understanding the developmental domains of early childhood. Early childhood developmental domains include physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language skills (Estes & Krogh, 2012). Understanding these domains enables teachers to design activities that are both age-appropriate and tailored to the interests and talents of the individual child. If I am working with a preschooler, I can design activities focusing on their cognitive development, such as problem-solving, sorting, and counting. If I am working with an infant, I can plan physical development activities like tummy time and reach for objects within their mental age.
Including Families
My strategy for involving families in their children’s education involves effective communication and collaborative engagement. Parent-teacher communication is an effective strategy when engaging parents about their child’s education plan (Lara & Saracostti, 2019). This strategy will include sending periodic emails to keep families updated about their child’s progress and inviting them to contact the school in case of any concerns. Providing resources to families to assist them in becoming more involved in their child’s education is another plan that can help increase collaboration (Lara & Saracostti, 2019). This resource can include links to online resources that offer advice on supporting their child’s learning and resources that can help them understand the school curriculum (Lara & Saracostti, 2019). I will also allow families to help out in the classroom. This can include assisting with projects, working with children one-on-one, or assisting with field trips, which encourages collaboration.
Students will benefit from this program by experiencing a holistic approach of having people they know to get involved in school activities, enhancing their motivation and teamwork skills. Parental engagement in children’s education also helps parents and educators understand students’ needs, resulting in more effective and individualized instruction and support (Lara & Saracostti, 2019). Parents learn more about the curriculum and their child’s learning strengths and limitations when participating in school activities. Additionally, parental engagement helps establish trust among the stakeholders involved. The rapport allows parents to discuss their child’s academic concerns, which helps the educator develop a customized program to benefit the child’s learning.
My Future
My career objective is to obtain a deeper understanding of young children’s needs and developmental stages. I intend to delve deep into research and study to obtain a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and certifications in early childhood development and education (Nutbrown, 2021). This will require me to acquire other credentials and skills in child psychology, developmental theory, and instructional techniques.
I intend to get a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of early childhood development and education, such as the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of young children. I will also gain an understanding of the numerous philosophies and models of early childhood education, such as the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, which are integral in promoting engaging learning experiences.
Conclusion
Early Childhood Education is a demanding profession that requires an expert to maintain certain competencies to meet the standards. One of these skills includes assertiveness, which involves the continuous pursuit of career growth and enables one to maintain relevance and confidence in their practice. Some educational approaches, such as creative curriculum, require the teacher to be savvy in every aspect of child development. Other theories, such as Bandura’s social learning theory, emphasize that children imitate whatever they see within their environment. This factor indicates that teachers must upgrade their skills to enable them to create an inclusive and engaging environment for learning.
References
Estes, L. S., & Krogh, S. L. (2012). Pathways to teaching young children: An introduction to early childhood education. Bridgepoint Education.
Dore, R. A., & Dynia, J. M. (2020). Technology and media use in preschool classrooms: Prevalence, purposes, and contexts. Frontiers in Education, 5(3). Web.
Lara, L., & Saracostti, M. (2019). Effect of parental involvement on children’s academic achievement in Chile. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(1). Web.
Nutbrown, C. (2021). Early childhood educators’ qualifications: A framework for change. International Journal of Early Years Education, 29(3), 1–14. Web.
Tiefenthaler, I., & Van Nice, T. (2018). Critique of the creative curriculum for preschool. University of Montana Journal of Early Childhood Scholarship and Innovative Practice, 2(1). Web.