Introduction
Education plays a vital role in the lives of people because it determines their future, providing access to particular working places. As a rule, children’s attitudes towards studying and their academic achievements during school and university years depend on those formed in early childhood. That is why the quality of education at this period is critical (Feeney, Galper, & Seefeldt, 2008). Much attention is paid to the preparation of professionals and education programs by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (Lutton & Ahmed, 2009). NAEYC determines standards for such programs that can be used by all sectors of the field. They show how the early childhood teacher of tomorrow should look like, emphasizing one’s knowledge and skills. This paper focuses on one of them and describes how its efficient utilization can help in becoming a better advocate for children and their families.
Summary
The first standard is “promoting child development and learning” (NAEYC 2011). According to it, candidates are required to recognize the characteristics and needs of children under eight and be able to successfully utilize developmental knowledge. They should create various learning environments to assist children in reaching educational goals. This standard is sure to be useful in professional life because it allows streamlining teaching and learning processes, making them appropriate for particular learners. It will also help me to become a better advocate because professionals can speak in defense of children effectively only when they are aware of their background and its influences and can adjust learning environments to their needs and characteristics.
Questions
What is the importance of relations between children and their families in the professional area?
Realizing that families have an immense influence on children’s attitudes towards education and their skills will enhance one’s ability to advocate on behalf of both of them.
How can a professional use one’s knowledge of children’s characteristics in practice?
Professionals must be able to utilize theoretical knowledge so that no lack of connection to actual classroom practices will be faced and the training’s effectiveness will be proved.
How can a professional control various influences on early development and learning?
The professional must be flexible and always ready to deal with negative influences made on children so that the learning outcomes remain positive and meet expectations.
Why is it critical for a professional to be aware of the peculiarities of child developmental knowledge?
Professionals should adjust learning environments to the needs of the children and make them appropriate for everyone; otherwise, some children will be likely to fell behind the group (Colker, 2008).
Who is the best person to advocate for children? Why?
The professional must do one’s best to achieve their goals for children as they know them better than others. One should remember that he/she is responsible for them and should treat them as one’s children.
The purpose of this assignment is to improve the knowledge of the standard and one’s professional goals as well as the ability to advocate on behalf of children and their families.
Conclusion
Early childhood professionals need to be prepared to work with various children and to meet their educational goals. The standards for preparation programs are likely to be effective in this framework, as they can be used as a guideline. It is critical to make candidates realize the value of these standards for both knowledge and skills development and children advocacy.
References
Colker, L. (2008). Twelve characteristics of effective early childhood teachers. Web.
Feeney, S., Galper, A., & Seefeldt, C. (2008). Continuing issues in early childhood education. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Web.
Lutton, A. & Ahmed, S. (2009). NAEYC revises standards for early childhood professional preparation programs. YC Young Children, 64(6), 88-89. Web.
NAEYC. (2011). 2010 standards for initial early childhood professional preparation. Web.