Caring for School-Age Children Chapter 1 Caregivers: Who Are They? Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

The Effective Caregiver/Teacher Enjoys school-age children and relates well to them Has knowledge of how children develop Works collaboratively with others as part of a team These characteristics are about the caregiver’s personality in working with children and adults as well as his knowledge of child development. These characteristics highlight how caregivers relate to children and adults. It also highlights the concept that caregivers need knowledge about child development. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. Encourages independence in children Allows freedom while setting limits Listens and communicates clearly Guides children in social problem solving These characteristics reflect abilities about students. It is important to remember that these are characteristics or skills that can be learned in college or vocational training. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. Has lots of interests Is a good role model Enjoys physical outdoor activity Cares about families Understands the role of a caregiver Children generally are interested in the things that interest adults. If the caregivers like sports, cooking, woodworking, crafts, it is very likely that those are things that children will want to engage in. Children emulate adults so it is extremely important that the adults consistently are good role models for children. Lastly, an effective caregiver models healthy involvement in outdoor activity. Children tend to want to participate in activities when it is evident that the adult enjoys the activity. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. Personal Reflection Which of these characteristics do you have? What characteristics do you want to further develop? Students can be encouraged to work in dyads to discuss their personal strengths as they relate to the characteristics of school age caregivers. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. What Are They Called? Teacher, caregiver, guide Recreational supervisor, counselor Leader, aide, assistant, child care worker Developmentalist Educare Solicit comments from students as to other names that they may have heard or experienced. Discuss what the common term(s) used in the area. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Education and Experience These may be governed by local and state licensing Each center may have its own requirements Recommended combination of education in early childhood education and in recreation The instructor can include information about any local or state requirements for the students in the class. Information can also be given as to the prevailing requirements in local centers. Lastly, this is an opportunity for the instructor to highlight the recommended educational path offered at his/her particular educational institution. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Ethical Consideration #1 What qualities do you believe are valuable? (These are known as “values.”) Students can work work in small groups, dyads, or discuss this question as an entire class to generate this list. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Ethical Consideration #2 What is your perception of what is good and right? (This is known as “morality.”) Students can work work in small groups, dyads, or discuss this question as an entire class to generate this list. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Ethical Considerations A code of ethics outlines responsibilities that can be agreed upon The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has developed a code of ethics The instructor can refer to the reference regarding the Code of Ethics at the end of chapter 1. This may be beneficial as a hand-out do discuss in class. Copyright 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved.