Early Childhood Educators - A Quick Career Guide
06/08/2014 14:44
Early childhood education is a specialized discipline that is concerned with taking care of and teaching young children, considering their individual needs and likings, in the period before the start of compulsory formal education. It is considered that the former two years of a child's life are very crucial in the development of their sense of self and others. The emphasis is on developing the child's ability to determine how they should behave or function in relation to other students.
This type of education focuses on understanding specific developmental needs of children, crafting individualized programs and maintaining responsive relationships with children. A great emphasis is laid on learning through play, where children get to interact with each other and develop sense of self and others. Moreover, games or play activities keep them physically active, socially responsive and emotionally fit.
What Do Early Childhood Educators Do?
The main job responsibility of early childhood educators is to take care of the social, physical, emotional and educational needs of infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children. They are responsible for creating a comfortable, friendly and enriching learning environment to ensure high standards of quality care to children of different ages and with varied requirements.
They use various observation techniques to enhance work with children and make them feel comfortable at the child care centre Toronto. Upon successfully observing their needs, the professionals plan a tailored curriculum and implement it to meet all specific needs of children. They also communicate with the families, maintain records, prepare and plan learning material, discuss the behaviour and development of children with their parents.
Career in Early Childhood Education
Before begin to work as early childhood educators, individuals need to have undergone at least a post-secondary diploma in early childhood studies. As it is a specialized discipline, aspiring professionals need to develop specific skills and attitude to effectively work with children.
Centennial College's two-year post secondary ECE program prepares high school graduates for employment with well-established nursery schools, kindergarten classrooms, drop-in centres, children and parent resource centres, shelters for women and child care centres in Toronto.
The program offers the right mix of theory and practical through classroom lectures and industry field placements. Students study a wide range of subjects and gain understanding of the learning environment: the third teacher, the healthy development of the whole child, observable child development, guidance and the individual children, principles of psychology, empowering children's independence, understanding and communicating with families, inclusion of children with specific needs, advocacy and emerging professional and child abuse.
This is an intensive program that focuses on providing students with the strong grounding in childhood education fundamentals and latest trends in the field. The program also incorporates hands-on experience through industry field placements. The aim of the program is to make students career-ready even before they graduate.
Students who have complete their secondary education and possess minimum required score in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent can apply for this program. Once they are accepted to this program, they will need to obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening, complete valid first aid and CPR certificates and provide a clear medical report.