Twelve Characteristics Of Effective Early Childhood Teachers

When researching early childhood programs, it’s important to look for characteristics of a high quality program. Components and characteristics of a high-quality program include, but are not limited to: a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate; teachers with adequate training; a safe environment; small group size and low adult to child ratios; and communication between parents and teachers (Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, 2012). Developmentally appropriate curriculum means using knowledge about child development to create a program that is suitable for the age and stage of development of the group of children you are teaching. At the same time, your program considers the needs of each individual child” (“Developmentally

When I went to NAEYC conference, Nov 18-Nov 21, Orlando, Florida, I attended 4 session. One of them was “America’s Best and Brightest: New Market Research on Attracting and Retaining Early Childhood Professionals.” Because I lack English listening skills, I couldn’t understand whole contents. However, I came to know about ‘understanding the attitudes and beliefs of current educators about the profession’ and ‘identifying factors that will be most helpful in encouraging educators to make the field a long-term profession.’ I thought that these contents would be useful and helpful for our classmates, as well as me, in understanding “current preschool teacher in the United States.”

The 2010 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Initial and Advanced Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs provides standards that set guidelines for what and how early childhood professionals prepare themselves to be efficient educators and caregivers. Professional development tools and strategies are critical assets for providing high quality early childhood education and care that meets the needs and interest of all learners. Today’s early childhood settings are filled with a diverse group of learners. Efficient educators must use a broad range of approaches, tools, and resources to ensure success for all learners. The NAEYC Initial and Advanced Standards demonstrates particular strategies for early childhood educators to prepare themselves to be successful and effective teachers. For this brief composition I chose to highlight the initial standard #4: using developmentally effective approaches.

The article Preschool is For Real by Julie Poppe is based on how we should create high quality preschool. It states that over the years funding for early childhood education has went up and enrollment has increased as well. Teachers today have a lot of responsibility when it comes to teaching preschool. They need to making learning fun and simple, but they also need to follow state guidelines and curriculum. With preschool becoming more popular, states are changing their curriculum. Many researchers have found that preschool is incredibly important to young children but only if the program is of high quality. Poor quality can actually have a negative effect on the children. They article outlines what it means to be a high quality preschool

Curtis and Carter believe teaching is a collaborative process with a purpose in which teachers reflect their own philosophies and practices while facilitating children’s learning. Teachers could share ideas and learn from each other. Early childhood educators learn to use the children’s strengths to create a positive classroom. There are many teaching technique help educators create a new positive experiences for children and their families. An effective teaching style and student participation in the learning process and help students develop critical thinking skills. Traditional teaching style has evolved with the introduction of differentiated instruction, prompting teachers to adjust their style to the learning needs of students.

Children understand and learn about the world through the eyes of an early childhood educator. During the early years, the brain is extremely malleable and can be changed by environmental influences and relationships with caregivers (Louv, 2012). An early childhood educator needs to understand that these are the most crucial years in brain development and will set the stage for all future development. A positive relationship between early childhood educator and child in the early years will build a strong foundation for future brain development (Lipkowitz, Poppe, 2013). Showing children love and care protects them from the negative effects of stress (Lipkowitz, Poppe, 2013). Adverse experiences can deter the brain from developing properly (Lipkowitz, Poppe, 2013). If a child is facing difficulties outside of the classroom, it is the job of the early childhood educator to offer support and assistance. If you show love and care to a child in the early years, it will have a lasting effect on future brain development (Bertrand, 2007). Since the brain is extremely plastic and can be changed, it is the job of the early childhood educator to shape the brains of young children in the best possible way. An early childhood educator should send messages of peace, love, mental excellence and for creative social harmony (Jenae, 2011). The early childhood educator’s role is to provide nurturing and stimulating environments that foster children’s developing brains, while at the same time developing positive and meaningful relationships with the child (Lipkowitz, Poppe, 2013). The experiences that a child gains in the first few years of brain development will set the stage for what kind of person the child will grow up to be (Wesson, 2010). There could be no other job more important than being an early childhood educator (Jenae,

According to the “National Association of Early Childhood Teachers, Educators Association of American Educators (2015) the largest national, non-union, professional educators' all teachers should actively seek new ways to improve a student’s learning experience. The article discusses why teachers should seek advancements. National Association of Early Childhood Teachers article is based on unity, standing as one to make a difference in a student’s life. By focusing on the developmental stages of a child’s quality of education by actively seeking new ways to improve a student’s learning experience, will increase their

I thought it was very interesting to read about the different theories and perspectives that are discussed in chapter two. It is important to look back on the roots of early childhood, but it is more important that we build upon those roots to adhere to the needs of children in this day and age. The book gave an example of how some child care traditions would seem abusive or strange to modern families today. This supports the fact that early childhood education is always developing and changing over time. As I continued to read the chapter, I was very unfamiliar with the different philosophies of guidance such as the maturationists and the constructivists. It is interesting to observe the different perspectives and ideals people have on early

It important to have a dedicated and knowledgeable leader in an early childhood education setting, because a person who has these elements thinks of their students first and is capable of dealing with any circumstance that comes in front of them. When an educator is dedicated and knowledge they are capable of addressing with disorderly without getting heated easily when they cannot overcome the situation. He or she has good thoughts and conceptions in the education and capable of considering all information equally to find the appropriate result for any situation.

A good early childhood educator is knowledgeable and conscious of how children develop. Therefore, an important part of a good education is

While reading our required publications, writing other assignments for this course, and conversing with you amongst my fellow classmates in an open forum, without judgment one realizes yet, once again, one still has so much to learn as a young developing teacher. Maintaining my ethically influenced life as one continues to educate oneself, and ensuring future students are educated properly holds so much more than one ever imagined when one enter college and selected Early Childhood/Special Education as their majors. As the unknown platform laid before me and over the past five years one has risen up to meet that ever increasing challenge of maneuvering my beliefs, values, responsibilities as a future educator, and choosing the right path

I enjoyed reading your post. Like you, I agree with all twelve characteristics in the article Twelve Characteristics of Effective Early Childhood Teachers by Laura Colker (2008). I know “love of learning” and passion were two characteristics, but I feel that love for children should added to the list (Colker, 2008). I know it would seem that educators would automatically love children. However, I have had a few teachers who seemed “anti-children” if that makes any sense.

After working in the child care field for 25 years, I feel that I have learned the basics. However, I am always open to learn a new idea or a new approach to something. After taking this class there have been a few ideas that I have learned and things that I have to keep in mind while working with children. Some of the ideas I want to try to implement in the center I work in or things that I need to keep in mind every day is the letter link idea, how important language development is, and how significant the little things are.

Peer Reviewed Research Article: According to Johanson, S., & Kuh, L. (2013). This source is the publishing research of early child hood teachers. These teachers are often underrepresented as authors in the educational research arena. It involves informative articles, resources and tools to promote teacher participation of early childhood

Henry Brook Adams once said that “A teacher affects eternity. She can never tell where her influence stops.” As an Early Childhood Educator, I am given the opportunity to make a difference in every child’s life. I am their teacher and role model. By going above and beyond the requirements, I have the opportunity to make an impact, change lives, and shape the future.