You: Working with Young Children 1 You: Working with Young Children

Key Concepts Social and economic changes affect the growth of the child care profession. Learning 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 families Changes in employers’ attitudes Changes in education attitudes Educational studies Benefits to the economy

Changes in Families Changes in Families Married couples are having fewer children Almost 75% of children have parents working or attending school Many working women are widowed, divorced, single, or separated Women are increasingly committed to careers 75% of children participate in a preschool program No longer have a mother as homemaker and a father as wage earner becoming highly educated

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

Changes in Education Attitudes Today 6% of children were cared for in child care centers 67% of children participate in an early childhood program 95% of the nation’s five-year-olds attend kindergarten programs

Educational Studies Studies have confirmed that the first five years of life are critical the benefits of early education are long-term early brain development depends on a stimulating environment and nurturing continued

Educational Studies Children who receive early learning experiences are less likely to have behavioral problems be referred to special education Many states introduced prekindergarten (PK) programs to support early learning

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/associate teachers Child care teachers and directors Family child care home Licensing specialists Other career opportunities

Nannies and Au Pairs A nanny provides care in a child’s home May live with the family May receive health insurance, paid holidays, and room and board in addition to salary An au pair is a person from a foreign country who lives with a family and performs tasks similar to those of a nanny

Kindergarten Teachers Most states are providing opportunities to attend kindergarten Teachers are needed in public schools private schools

Early Childhood Assistant and Associate Teachers Early childhood assistants or associate teachers are hired to achieve the required adult-child ratios provide support to lead teachers Assistant or associate positions may require specialized coursework or training CDA credential associate degree

Child Care Teachers and Directors Child care teachers are responsible for planning curriculum teaching children Child care directors are responsible for marketing the program recruiting children hiring and supervising staff managing the budget

Family Child Care Homes Family child care homes provide child care for children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 12 years This type of care allows child care providers to work from home child care providers to care for their own children longer hours of operation homelike atmosphere

Licensing Specialists Licensing specialists make visits to centers to observe if they follow the state licensing guidelines adult-child ratio size of the facility food service curriculum provided building safety and health practices

Other Career Opportunities The field of early childhood offers a variety of positions Parent educator Community recreation leader Social workers Counselors and therapists Health care providers continued

Other Career Opportunities The field of early childhood also offers the ability to run your own business as an entrepreneur Family child care home Consultants Store owners Designers of children’s products Entertainers

Education and Training Needed to Work with Young Children Jobs High school education Teacher aid Playground supervisor Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, plus postsecondary education Early childhood teacher Bachelor’s degree Director of child care program Graduate degree Consultant Researcher Early childhood instructor Professor

The Teacher’s Responsibilities Know how children grow and develop Plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum Prepare the environment Communicate effectively Demonstrate teamwork continued

The Teacher’s Responsibilities Manage time wisely Participate in professional organizations Follow ethical standards Continue to learn

Characteristics of Successful Teachers Fondness for children Patience Compassion Confidence Sense of humor Commitment Personal desire Physical and mental health

Review True or False. Social and economic changes in society continue to create a need for child care services. Name five career opportunities in the early childhood field. What are four characteristics of successful early childhood teachers?

Glossary au pair. A person from a foreign country who lives with a family and provides child care in exchange for room, board, and transportation. Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. A national credential that requires postsecondary courses in child care education and a minimum number of hours of child care experience.

Glossary developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). A set of guidelines that focus on the outcomes of learning activities. early childhood. The period of life from birth to nine years of age. entrepreneur. A person who creates and runs his or her own business.

Glossary ethics. A guiding set of moral principles, either those held personally or those determined by a professional organization for its members. licensing specialist. A person employed by a state to ensure that the state’s child care rules and regulations are followed.

Glossary nanny: A child care worker who usually provides care in the child’s home and may receive food and housing in addition to wages.

Glossary prekindergarten (PK). The full range of early childhood programs including school-based programs for three- and four-year-olds, preschool, child care, Head Start, and home-based child care. The goal is to enable every child with skills needed to succeed in school.