Chapter 12 of our textbook, Infant & Toddler Development and Responsive Program Planning, is entitled “Creating a Relationship-Based Curriculum.” This chapter provides the necessary information to aide us in either creating a curriculum or determining if a pre-designed curriculum being used for Infants and Toddlers meets the suggestions of a relationship-based curriculum. The relationship-based curriculum involves a planning process that involves respect, reflection, and relating. Its primary focus is the mental health and is based on the perspective and needs of infants and toddlers. Care teachers create the environment and then vary it as indicated by the changing developmental levels and interests of the infants and toddlers.
The first four
I like how it says “it takes a special kind of person,” because this is very true. Not every person can work with young children and not every type of person will enjoy working with infants and toddlers. I really did not have to read this section to know this but do agree that the role as teacher to toddlers or infants is very exhausting (“quite demanding emotionally and physically.”) and yet very rewarding. I see it every day. The preschool where I work has teachers that fit every description listed in the textbook. They are caring and nurturing. They are intentional. They keep the children safe. They show love. They bond with each and every child, as well as with each and every
The goal of this curriculum is to teach what the children want to learn, not what the teacher wants them to learn. The teacher or caretaker must observe each child, document those observations, and then make a plan. This is so different from how I am expected to plan. I am to lesson plan for the next week based on an overall theme. I am expected to stick to that plan, even when the children are wanting to focus/expand upon one area more or another area less. This is another area that I tend to find myself struggling. I want to have freedoms to change and follow the leads of my students, but this goes against the expectations of the program I’m involved in. I really like and plan to incorporate the 3R’s – Respect, Reflect, and Relate – into my teaching
Tickell acknowledges that the curriculum does identify the connection between parents and practitioners, however views that there could be more partnership to overcome those who are at a disadvantage. A suggestion that practitioners should give to parents and carers a short summary outlining the children communication, language, personal, social, emotional, and physical development between 24-38 months, and when appropriate, shared with health visitors if seen as necessary.
A significant facet of an early childhood professional is the ability to work with families. This however can be an area in which many professionals entering into the field can feel inadequate. In order to fully support all areas of a child’s performance as a professional it is critical to work with their families. In order to effectively work with families, you must be able to understand the diversity and complexity of families.
Elliott, A. (2004). Where to Now for Early Childhood Education and Care? Early Childhood Education Research Program (ACER), 12(2).
Dr. Seuss wrote, “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your Way”. The role of the early childhood educator, while rewarding, can sometimes feel as is you are climbing a mountain. Educators have to consider how to implement curriculum, instruction, management, and technology in the classroom. Educators also have to provide an environment where all children feel safe and nurtured. When creating a course of action, educators have to consider their role as well as the role of the student, parent, and community.
Professional development for educators is an important step in learning new ways to educate, implement new practices and administering the best possible outcomes for children 's wellbeing. Depending on the child’s circumstances it is also important to search for other means of opinion. In this case accommodating the child’s family and the community in which he or she lives in and advancing towards promoting worthwhile relationships. Relationship building encourages parents in working collaboratively with professionals to create environments of support and enthusiasm around the best interests of the child.
A requirement in being an early childhood teacher, is to fulfill the needs, of the children and families I will work for. In chapter one, you have the Lawrence and Ashley Family. In the Lawrence family, they are a married couple, which means more income for the family. Whereas the Ashley family has one income. In addition, to the Ashley family, having one income and dealing with the state can bring heartache and struggles to buy food, clothes, housing, school supplies and other day to day activities. Therefore, I need to comprehend the lives of the families I work for and to be aware of the circumstances of the individual families. To the same degree. I need to respect the boundaries; of the families I work for. Trust is a must. With no trust, there is no communication and things get can get
This case study will examine Klara’s biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial development. The Desired Results Development Profile (DRDP) was utilized to observe Klara’s development. A DRDP is an established tool used to advance the quality of early care and educational programs in California (DRDP). Each domain of the DRDP is analyzed by the measures of, “exploring,” “developing,” “building,” and, “integrating.”
When selecting childcare for your child the foundation of early learning has offered some tips that they believe will be helpful in the process. The foundation says that parents have always known that good early experience was important for their child. Now scientist and researchers are confirming how critical these first years of life are to your child’s healthy development (Selecting child care, 2002). Because the brain matures in the world rather than in the womb, the brain growth and development of infants and young children is deeply affected by their earliest experiences. In a childcare environment the relationship your child has with the caregiver will also affect how that child feels about himself and the world around him and as he grows up (Selecting child care, 2002). I ...
(1) The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, or CSEFEL, is a training model designed to provide teachers with curricula and skills to promote social-emotional learning in their preschool classrooms in order to prevent challenging behaviors (CSEFEL, n.d.). I interviewed Dr. Mary Louise Hemmeter, who is the principle investigator at CSEFEL at Vanderbilt University. This center works with child care programs, preschools, and Head Start programs to prepare children for the transition into kindergarten, where self-regulatory and social-emotional skills are necessary (Hemmeter, Ostrosky, & Fox, 2006). This program promotes social-emotional skills for all children in the classroom to prevent challenging behaviors, and
Every teacher has this potential whether they are aware of it or not. I have been a teacher for nine years in early childhood education and within those nine years I have become very aware of how powerful the smallest act of caring can turn a person’s life around or even just make someone’s day a little better. Being a preschool teacher has brought me great pleasure to my life simply brightening a child’s day and knowing that I am making a difference in their life. Through my journey as a teacher I have thought about how I can advance in my career field and still be active with children on a daily basis and continue making a difference in each child’s life as well as their parents. With plenty of thought and research I have come to the conclusion and gained the interest to become a preschool and childcare director.
As a teacher in early childhood development, I believe that the teacher skills and personality influence how children understand, observe and react to the classroom environment and the world around them. Even though part of teacher responsibilities are academic, daily interactions that encourage social, emotional and physical development are important. One of a quality effective early childhood educators’ characteristic is that they should have patience.
The teacher builds relationships with parents by getting them to understand the areas that their child struggles and continues to strive in. Making sure they know that their child will master these skills when they are ready (Lawrence-Lightfoot, 2). At Staples Child Care Center, all teacher will assessments and observations about the child and a few suggestions that the child will benefit
It discusses how children are born with that needs to connect with individuals around them. Teachers and providers create positive relationship with children from birth through the early years. The foundation for that healthy social and emotional development because it affects her children see the world, express themselves, manages their emotions, in establishing a positive relationship with others. There were several areas of development that included social interactions that focus on the relationship that we share and include relationship with adults and peers. Emotional awareness recognized and understands your feelings and actions of other people, and self-regulation where you have that ability to express your thoughts, feelings, and behavior in a socially appropriate way. There were many tips that were listed when working with infants from talking and reading, having that warm, responsive, and consistent care, maintaining predictable routines, and getting to know each child while following their lead. The importance of supporting children and developing social skills is critical for learning, happiness, and long-term. This development begins during infancy and can be supported through simple social games, emotional role model, and imitating an infant's facial expression and sounds. The importance of social-emotional development and toddlers makes an impact in a child life when these skills are developed starting in infancy. Encouraging positive behaviors and using positive discipline practices that helped to develop the ability to make good choices as well as recognizing the confidence that is built when these behaviors are repeated. This is a process for young children to learn these behaviors always remembering that a patient response will help especially when the behaviors are
Morrison, G. S. (1976). Chapter 6: Early Childhood Programs APPLYING THEORIES TO PRACTICE. In Early childhood education today (10th ed., pp. 5-31). Columbus, Ohio: Merrill.
Sims, M. & Hutchins, T. (2011). Program planning for infants and toddlers: In search of relationships. Sydney: Pademelon Press.