Do you know what is Early Childhood Care and Education? Is Early Childhood Care
and Education the right career for you?
In the first few years of life, the brain develops more than one million new neuronal connections per second. According to Harvard experts, these neuronal connections are precisely what create the brain's architecture and provide the groundwork for all subsequent learning, behavior, and health. You might wonder how these neurons grow. Well, mostly through the environment and early experiences of a baby.
These facts, together with the reality that infants begin learning from the moment they are born, are what is driving the development and prominence of early childhood education. A child's early experiences have a significant impact on their long-term growth and health and since the brain develops most quickly between birth and age eight, early schooling is crucial to a child's success.
You may have discovered the "early childhood education" path if you aspire to work with children or become a teacher. What is early childhood education, and how does it differ from other teaching vocations may be two questions in your mind. The fundamentals of early childhood education are explained in this article from the Department of Early Childhood Education MAHSA University, including what traits should an aspiring ECE educator have.
Overview of Early Childhood Care and Education career
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is the period of learning that takes places from birth to eight years old. Formal and informal educational experiences are considered essential to a child's cognitive, physical, and emotional development during these formative years of infancy and toddlerhood.
Little ones have the chance to study, explore, and play in a supportive, safe setting outside of the home thanks to early childhood education. Children are encouraged to investigate colors, letters, numbers, sounds, nature, art, and other topics in ECCE classes as they simultaneously develop their curiosity and fundamental motor and social skills.
Today, a wide array of early childhood education programs and instructional techniques are available. Early childhood care and education delivery methods can vary by state and program; some emphasize guided, play-based learning, while others may adhere to a set schedule. Some are theme-based and based on educational philosophies like Reggio Emilia or Montessori. Programs might focus on a certain age group, like preschoolers, or they can span multiple age ranges in a setting akin to a daycare. Some of them are privately owned groups, while others are run by a regional school district or a federally supported initiative. You can work in many different environments and capacities in the field of early childhood education.
Ideal Traits for an Early Childhood Care and Education professional
Patience
When faced with a stressful circumstance, whether it be during examinations or a disagreement with friends, you have always been the one to remain composed. With the age range of children, you'll be dealing with, you'll need it. They may act out, weep without cause, and other such things since they are still developing. You are fine if you get to hug or kiss their cheeks afterwards, even though many people will snap and cringe at the very concept.
Knowledgeable
You'll be working with children at a crucial juncture in their development, when anything around them has the potential to affect how they turn out. no obligation! You must be aware of how to deal with them, the traits that children of various ages have, and any warning signs in their behavior that should be investigated. Additionally, you'll be a teacher. How can you teach someone else anything if you don't know anything yourself?
Caring Attitude
You'll be entrusted with the enormous duty of raising other people's children. Can you picture the level of faith they would be placing in you? You must treat each one of them with the same love and care that you would provide to your own family members.
Good Communicator
For the little ones to understand, you'll need to synthesize a lot of knowledge into manageable pieces. It's already challenging enough to teach. It's nearly tough to teach children when they're young and easily distracted. You'll need to be inventive if you want to make learning enjoyable for everyone.
Countries across the world are starting to realize how important early childhood education is. A global governing organization with the stated purpose of "contributing to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural communication via education" is known as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
The following is what the group has to say about how critical early childhood education is:
"ECCE (early childhood care and education) is more than just kindergarten readiness. It seeks to fulfil a child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical requirements in a holistic way to lay a strong and comprehensive foundation for lifetime learning and wellbeing. Future citizens that are capable, caring, and responsible can be raised through ECCE.”
Love Kids
This is the most important trait. Kids are very sensitive to the feelings and energy of their caregivers. If you interact with them with genuine love they will respond positively and thrive.
Now that you know what makes a good ECE educator and if you have the traits and passion for this, then this is a very rewarding career to pursue.
WORDS BY: MS AIMI FARINA SARIFF