You: Working With Young Children Chapter 1 You: Working With Young Children

You: Working with Young Children In this chapter, you will learn about the social and economic changes that will continue to create a need for child care teachers the teacher’s responsibilities the characteristics of successful teachers

Terms to Know early childhood prekindergarten (PK) nanny au pair licensing specialist entrepreneur Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) ethics

Changes in Families Changes in Families Almost 75% of children have parents working or attending school Women are becoming highly educated Many working women are widowed, divorced, single, or separated Two-thirds of women with children work outside the home No longer have a mother as homemaker and a father as wage earner Married couples are having fewer children Changes in Families

Discuss Why do you think the level of education of women impacts the need for child care teachers? List three reasons.

Changes in Employers’ Attitudes Corporate or employer-sponsored child care is growing. On-site child care Referral service Sick child care Emergency backup arrangements Intergenerational care

Brainstorm What are some of the payoffs companies receive when offering child care benefits to employees?

Educational Studies Studies have confirmed that the first five years of life are critical the benefits of early education are long-term Children who receive early learning experiences are less likely to have behavioral problems be referred to special education Prekindergarten (PK): the full range of early childhood programs for three- and four-year-olds

Benefits to the Economy Early childhood programs influence tomorrow’s economy. A sound investment Saves taxpayers future costs Pays great returns to children

Career Opportunities in Early Childhood Nannies and au pairs Kindergarten teachers Early childhood assistant and associate teachers Child care teachers and directors Family child care home Licensing specialists Other career opportunities

The Teacher’s Responsibility Know how children grow and develop Plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum Prepare the environment Communicate effectively Demonstrate teamwork Manage time wisely Participate in professional organizations Follow ethical standards Continue to learn

Did You Know… According to the U.S. Department of Labor, preschool teachers were most often employed in child daycare services (63%) religious organizations (9%) local government educational services (9%) private educational services (7%)

Reflect What are some of the qualities you possess that would make you a good early childhood teacher?