1. Overview of the Profession
Chapter 1
Overview of the Profession

2. Goals for Chapter 1
Develop an understanding of the essentials of early childhood education
Learn about the different types of programs
Identify funding sources for early childhood programs
Determine roles, responsibilities, & skills needed for teachers of young children
Investigate current training typical of teachers in early childhood education
Become familiar with resources for professional development

3. Essentials of Early Education
Understanding children and their development
Provide opportunities to play
Guide social and emotional development
Work with parents, families, and the community
Understand and respect diversity

4. The Scope of Early Childhood Education
Infant / toddler programs
Preschool education
Child-care programs
Family home child care
Child-care centers
School-based child care
Corporate child-care
Before and after school care
Programs for children with special needs
Kindergarten education
Primary education

5. Funding: Who Pays for Early Education?
For-profit programs
Cooperative programs
Federally funded programs
Early head start
Military child care
State and locally funded programs
Corporate child care
College and University supported programs

6. Roles of the Early Childhood Educator
Facilitator of learning
Counselor
Janitor/chef
Educational specialist
Parent substitute

7. Responsibilities of the Early Childhood Educator
Advocacy
Importance of early years
Powerless children and families
Low priority of early education and care
Continue education
Code of ethical conduct (NAEYC)

8. Skills of the Early Childhood Educator
Interacting with children
Preparing the environment
Working with other adults

9. Should I Teach? Observe early childhood teachers at work
Spend time working with children
Ask for feedback from others
Analyze your potential
Consider
Past experiences
Personal strengths
Potential weaknesses

10. Professional Preparation of Early Childhood Care Givers
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Two-year teacher preparation programs
Four-year degree programs
Coordinating efforts
Masters and doctoral programs
Resources for professional development
NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children
ACEI – Association for Childhood Education International

11. Other Professional Organizations
American Montessori Society
Council for Exceptional Children
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
International Reading Association
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Society for Research in Child Development

12. Journals Child Development Developmental Psychology
Early Child Development and Care
Merrill Palmer Quarterly
Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development
The Arithmetic Teacher
Child Care Information Exchange
Day Care and Early Education
Dimensions of Early Childhood
Early Childhood Education Today
The Reading Teacher

13. Reference Materials Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)
Websites
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The Annie C. Casey Foundation
Children’s Defense Fund
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards
National Center for Education Statistics

14. Observing Development – General Developmental Abilities
Observe
Go to MyEducationLab and select “Child Development” and watch the video “Cognitive Development”
Reflect
What were the actions and words the children used and how did they differ?
Apply
In what ways to the adults support the children’s development?

15. Multimedia Exploration and Activities…
Research
Go to MyEducationLab and select “Video Classrooms” then watch the video “Kindergarten Classroom”
Reflect
What is the importance of academic learning in Kindergarten?
Respond
Talk to a kindergarten teacher about the academic pressures that 5-year-olds face. Share your findings with the class.