Top Goals of Early Childhood Education

When talking about child growth and development, the importance of early childhood education can’t be overstated. A child’s future development and success largely depend on their early years. It is during these years that a child’s learning abilities are formed and strengthened.

By providing children with high-quality early childhood education, we are providing them with a strong base for lifelong learning and help them maximize their potential. It will prepare them for the transition into formal schooling and give them a head start towards future success. Keep reading and learn more about the key goals of a good quality early childhood education program.

Key goals of early childhood education

Cognitive development

The first five years in a child’s life are considered to be the most crucial. This is the phase when rapid brain development takes place. A lot of learning happens during this phase. This is the reason why it is extremely important for parents to invest in their children’s early education.

Early childhood education plays a significant role in shaping a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional wellbeing. It gives them a good grasp of things they will learn later in kindergarten and elementary school. Beyond subjects like Math, writing, art and Science, early childhood education can also awaken a child’s love for lifelong learning which helps set them on the path for future success.

Early childhood education fosters a child’s social skills

Early childhood education aims to foster a child’s social skills. Children, just like adults, need to learn how to form and maintain healthy relationships. They need to learn how to make friends and is one of the most important things they will learn in daycare or preschool.

Childcare centers provide kids with plenty of opportunities to socialize not only with other kids but also with other adults. They provide the kind of environment that encourages them to leave their comfort zones. As a result, kids become more confident and comfortable in building friendships with their peers.

Physical development

Preschools and daycare centers aren’t just about shaping children’s cognitive development. They also focus on a child’s physical development. Sending your little one to a daycare or preschool gives them the chance to take part in activities that develop physical skills, such as coordination, balance, and motor planning. Early childcare education also allows a child to practice their hand-eye coordination, muscle control and fine motor skills.

Enthusiasm for learning

Early childhood education lays the groundwork for children’s future learning endeavors. It awakens their enthusiasm to learn more through a wide variety of play and fun structured activities. During this stage, the thirst to acquire knowledge increases. It stirs their curiosity and triggers them to seek answers to their questions.

Emotional development

A child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their cognitive, social and physical. Early childhood education provides children with a solid emotional base that will shape who they are and who they will be.

Some of the emotional skills they learn in early childcare include respect for themselves and for others, the ability to adapt to change and adjust to new situations, resolving conflicts, and many others. A home environment doesn’t necessarily teach a child about these things but early childcare centers certainly do.

Holistic development

Early childhood education focuses on the holistic development of a child. It ensures that a child grows up to be a well-rounded individual. Also, it provides a warm and secure environment where kids freely express their feelings, build friendships, explore their surroundings and push themselves to the limit. It makes a child more confident and independent with a positive self-image.

Attending early childcare centers also gives children a plethora of learning opportunities through unique experiences. They go on field trips and engage in a wide range of activities that further develop many of their abilities.

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Early childhood education can benefit young kids in more ways than one. A job in this field is definitely a promising and fulfilling career to be in. If you wish to learn more about advancing your career in early childhood education, please feel free to visit the National CDA Training for more information.

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Holiday Recipe Ideas for National Pear Month

What can you do with an early childhood education degree?

How Can I become a Daycare Teacher?

Being a daycare teacher requires lots of patience

The job of a daycare teacher involves more than watching children every day. Part of their duties includes making sure children are safe. They also play a significant role in a child’s education. This includes their health, growth and overall development. These are the things that make being a daycare teacher a challenging yet rewarding job. If this is a career you want pursue, you need to have certain positive qualities to be successful at this job. Remember that you will have to deal with the ever-changing personalities of toddlers and young kids. Read on to learn all the things you need to know to become a daycare teacher.

Education and training

Daycare teachers have to meet the educational and training requirements of their employer and the state. They need to take the necessary courses in child development to be able to understand the skills that children need to learn at each stage. This training equips daycare teachers to help kids achieve these milestones. Most employers accept daycare teachers with a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent. Certain preschools prefer to hire those who have a certification or completed post secondary classes in early childhood education. Preschools in some states even require daycare teachers to have previous experience.

If you are looking for advancement in early childcare, an associate or bachelor’s degree would help. Associate degree programs usually include: classes focusing on child behavior and development, parent-teacher relationships, programs and curriculum, and the learning environments. For Head Start programs, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is required. But if you have a degree in a different field and you want to pursue a career in early childcare, you must have an experience working with children under five.

Professional certifications

Employers and states have varying requirements. Certain preschools and daycare centers require a national certification. The National Childcare Association offers the CCP or the Child Care Professional Certification. This requires classroom experience as well as continuing education courses. Those who hold a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible for the certification. The Council for Professional Regulation also awards the CDA credential. It is also part of the licensing regulations for the 50 states in the US.

Appearance

A pleasing appearance is also an important factor for being a daycare teacher. This is because children usually mimic the adults around them. Make sure that you serve as a good example to the kids under your care. Your clothes should look clean and decent. Dress comfortably so that it’s easier for you to interact and play games with children. Do not use foul language and be sure to avoid inappropriate behavior.

Discipline

A good daycare teacher is someone who knows how to impose discipline in the classroom using an appropriate set of strategies. This is important to avoid chaos in the daycare setting. Maintaining discipline doesn’t require complicated rules. You need to know how to use simple rules that little children can follow.

Passion

To be a successful daycare teacher, you must have that passion in your heart. You have to want to work with children and be part of their development. This means that despite the challenges, you know you can enjoy working with kids. It’s also important that you are kind to every child under your care despite their race or background. Your focus should be on the best interest of the children above everything else.

Being a daycare teacher may be challenging but it is a rewarding job. If you wish to pursue a career in early childcare as a daycare teacher, these are the requirements you must meet. If you are looking toward future advancement within a daycare facility, you may consider obtaining a CDA credential. For more information about earning a Child Development Associate credential, please visit National CDA Training.

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Find out How You Can Help Others on World Food Day

Enjoy a meal on food day

World Food Day is observed on the 16th of October each year. This day is celebrated to honor the date when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded in 1935. It is also recognized to raise awareness about hunger, as well as encourage the public to take action is to help eliminate world hunger.

The World Food Day is celebrated by organizing food drives and distributing free meals for the homeless and less fortunate. If you have the heart to participate in this holiday, here are some of the ways you can take a stand against hunger and make a difference.

Take a photo of your meal and share it on  social media

If you think taking photos of your sumptuous meals and uploading them on the social media is meaningless, then you have been thinking wrong. By sharing photos of your meals, you are also literally sharing your food. All you have to do is to download FoodShareFilter or Feedie. Both applications were designed to help fight global hunger. Every time photos of food are shared using the app, the restaurant donates a meal to an organization called the Lunchbox Fund that provides meals for orphaned children in South Africa.

Volunteer in your local community garden

Food scarcity and insecurity affect people living in poverty and those who have limited access to healthy and fresh food. Help make a difference by volunteering in your local urban garden. Address hunger by getting outside, by connecting with people, and by distributing fresh produce to people who need it most.

Participate in local community events

There are plenty of local events you can participate in if you want to help fight hunger in your community. Search World Food Day USA on Google to find some ways you can help. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities: packing meals for the homeless, walking for hunger, or helping out in a soup kitchen to name a few. No matter how big or small, your efforts will make a difference. However, you help out will be valuable for the nourishment of those who are in need. So serve your community by giving your time and efforts.

Help improve the quality of school lunches

Help make school lunches better

In different parts of the United States and throughout the world, a school lunch or breakfast may be the only full meal a student eats in a day. The sad part is that these meals do not always contain important nutrients a child needs for growth and development. By improving the quality of food at schools, children can enjoy better health and improve their academic performance.

Treat yourself

Did you know that by treating yourself with your favorite food at your favorite restaurant, you are also making a difference in the world’s problem with hunger and food scarcity? So go ahead and invite a friend for a meaningful and sumptuous meal. As soon as the check arrives, donate the cost of your meal by joining the #HungerFree movement. This movement is organized to help fight hunger in South Sudan, Kenya, and many other parts of the globe.

Attend an event

If you are looking for other ways to participate in  World Food Day, you can visit foodday.org and enter your zip code to find an event near you. It doesn’t matter which event you choose, whether you dine or donate, the important thing is that you are helping spread awareness. You are also encouraging people to join the fight against hunger.

Food scarcity and hunger may seem to be overwhelming global problems. But if we all decide to take action, even in our little ways, and become advocates for health and food, we can all make a difference to make this world a better place.

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How to Show Appreciation for Teachers on World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated October 5th every year. This day is dedicated to all the hard-working teachers out there. Teachers are important people in our society. They mold young people’s’ minds and guide us through life later on. We spend almost two decades of our lives with teachers, and they make a huge contribution to our education and development. It’s fitting that this holiday is observed at schools throughout the world.

Teachers are underappreciated heroes. They don’t always receive the recognition they deserve for their commitment to education. In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, here are some ideas you can do to show your gratitude to your teachers.

Write a heartfelt letter to your teacher

You can write a poem, a short or long letter, or notes of appreciation to show your teacher you care. Leave it at your teacher’s desk or give it to them personally. They will appreciate it so much.

Give them a token of appreciation

Gifts like flowers, chocolates, coffee mugs, or shirts, will put a smile on their faces. Even a simple keychain will be highly appreciated.

Bake your teacher something sweet

A cake or a couple of cupcakes will surely get you your teacher’s sweetest smile.

Plan a party for your teacher

At the end of the school day, you can organize a party for your teacher together with your classmates. Set up some food and refreshments and plan fun games to make it more enjoyable.

Make a scrapbook with the whole class

Want to take your teacher on a walk down memory lane? A scrapbook is a perfect idea. Make it with your classmates and include photos and stickers. Decorate it creatively and give it to your teacher to let them know that you appreciate all their efforts in teaching and guiding you in school and in life.

Make a recording of your thanks

Be loud and proud as you give your thanks and appreciation to your teachers. Express your gratitude over a loudspeaker or over a song. This will surely make your teacher’s heart flutter with happiness.

Organize a breakfast party

On the morning of October 5th, order up coffee and other breakfast food for your teachers. Make sure to arrive at school extra early so that you can arrange this breakfast party. They will surely love this one.

Give your teacher a personalized coffee mug

A personalized cup or mug with your teacher’s name or photo will be a great gift. This is a functional gift as well because you ’ll see them using it for their morning or afternoon coffee.

Decorate your classroom

Together with your classmates, surprise your teacher by decorating your classroom and telling them that you are grateful for all of their efforts in teaching you.

 

Why should Teachers’  Day be celebrated?

People become teachers because they care about the younger generations. Teaching children and adolescents is their talent.t. Being a teacher is not easy. It takes great patience, long hours, and care to be a teacher.

If you don’t know, a teacher is so much more than an educator. They also act as moms, dads, nurses, therapists, and many other roles that children need. Being a teacher is more challenging than you know. Good teachers are angels who watch over children at school. Every day, they fight to teach the children good manners. They mold children to who they’re supposed to be when they grow up.

Teaching is a noble job and giving one day a year to appreciate them is an easy way for the world could give back. Teachers deserve all of our respect and gratitude because, without them, we wouldn’t be where we are right now.

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What Can I Do with a CDA Certificate

Are you someone who is passionate when it comes to caring for or teaching young kids in preschool? Earning the proper credentials would be the perfect way to start. An excellent starting point is to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. By earning a CDA credential, you’re on the right path to jump-starting the career of your dreams!

What is CDA Credential?

The CDA Credential can help increase your knowledge and skills in the field of early childcare. You may become eligible for more jobs and ultimately advance your career. Since 1975, this certification has been a solid option for career development in early childhood education.

A preschool teacher teaching the fundamentals of ABC

Earning a CDA Credential can benefit you in more ways than one. For one, you will learn the best practices in early childhood education. This is done through valuable feedback from observers and several hours of hands-on experience. Being equipped with adequate knowledge and skills can help increase your confidence in what you do. As a CDA credentialed professional, you are also going to become qualified for more jobs. A CDA credential can serve as a stepping stone towards a more advanced career. It’s like a ticket to the wonderful world of early childcare. It signifies that you have already reached a professional level of skill and knowledge.

And if you are wondering what jobs you can take with a CDA credential, you can take a look at the list below.

Daycare Teacher

As a daycare teacher, you will be spending most of your day working with toddlers. It will be your job to plan activities and assist children with their daily projects. Some of the daily tasks you do include preparing their snacks, reading to them and playing games. It’s also important to incorporate mental and physical awareness. This will make sure that kids are getting the assistance they need while ensuring their safety at all times. You will also be working with other daycare teachers. You must be able to interact with the children’s parents and communicate progress as well as any issues.

Preschool Teacher

As a preschool teacher, you will be working with kids who are between the ages of three and five. Your role is to get these children engaged in activities that are not too challenging, but still offer a good learning experience. Some of the activities include reading to and with them, singing songs, playing games and finger painting. The primary purpose of preschool is to help young children become prepared for kindergarten. Like a daycare teacher, you will be working hand in hand with the other teachers and staff in the preschool facility. Interaction and open communication with parents is also important.

A childcare worker assisting a student with her activity

Childcare worker

A daycare or a childcare worker is the one responsible for watching over kids to make sure that they are safe. You will also have to monitor and take note of the specific activities for each child under your care. You must take note of any important information such as their eating schedule, changing diapers and taking of medication.

Teacher Assistant

The work of teacher assistants consists of providing assistance to teachers with lesson plans. Working as a teacher assistant means that you can supervise children in the absence of the teacher due to an emergency.

These are some of the jobs you can take if you have a CDA credential. If you are interested in this credential, allow us to help you prepare for the CDA exam. Please visit National CDA Training for more information.

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