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

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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%)

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