What is early childhood education?
Early childhood education refers to the formal/informal education and care provided to children aged birth to eight years old. This is the most crucial period for our cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development as humans.
Early childhood education programs are designed to support and foster these developmental domains.
Early childhood education in various settings; preschools, daycare centers, nursery schools, and kindergarten programs. The focus of early childhood education is on creating a balance of a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and develop essential skills through play, social interaction, and structured activities.
"Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded."
- Jess Lair
"Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden."
- Unknown
"Play is the highest form of research."
- Albert Einstein
What are key components to early childhood education?
Physical/ Play learning
Physical activities and experiences that encourage exploration, utilizing creativity, encouraging problem-solving, motor skills and expanding their imagination.
Social Skills
Opportunities for children to interact with peers and adults, developing interpersonal/social skills, empathy, comradery, and cooperation.
Cognitive development
Various activities that promote language development, comprehension, literacy, numeracy, logic, and critical thinking skills.
Emotional development
Communication, Support for children to identify and express feelings, self-regulation skills, discipline, and building resilience.
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Early childhood educators are instrumental in helping facilitate children's learning and development skills during these formative years. We plan developmentally appropriate activities, form engaging learning environments, and more importantly, support children's individual needs and interests.
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"Reflecting on the importance of continuous professional development in early childhood education. 📚 Attending workshops, conferences, and pursuing additional certifications not only enhances our skills but also ensures we're providing the best possible support for young learners. Let's stay curious and committed to lifelong learning!
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What are the benefits of ECE?
There are endless benefits to Early Childhood Education, but I'll list a few:
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Long-term academic achievement
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Higher High School graduation rates
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Higher College Attendance rates
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Long-term Economic benefits
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Higher Social/Emotional Development
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Reduction in grade retention
Mark your calendars!
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Observed in April in the United States, this month aims to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and promote efforts to prevent and address these issues.
Month of the Young Child
Celebrated in April by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this month highlights the importance of early childhood education and the needs of young children and their families.
Week of the Young Child
Also organized by NAEYC, this week-long celebration typically occurs in April and focuses on highlighting the importance of early learning, children's rights, and the role of educators and families in supporting young children's development.
World Autism Awareness Month
Recognized in April, this month aims to increase understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders and promote inclusion and support for individuals with autism and their families.
Universal Children's Day
Celebrated on November 20th, this United Nations observance promotes international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.
National Kindergarten Day
Celebrated on April 21st, this day honors the birth of Friedrich Wilhelm August Froebel, the founder of the kindergarten concept. It's a day to recognize the importance of early childhood education and kindergarten programs.
World Play Day
Observed on May 28th, this day promotes the importance of play in children's learning and development, emphasizing its role in fostering creativity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities.
ECE Books I recommend to learn more:
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"The Art of Awareness: How Observation Can Transform Your Teaching" by Deb Curtis and Margie Carter
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"The Creative Curriculum for Preschool" by Diane Trister Dodge and Laura J. Colker
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"The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
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"The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need from Grownups" by Erika Christakis
Careers and Professions related to the ECE field
They are many different careers and professions that all directly affects the ECE industry. All are equally important in their contribution to our future leaders.
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Early Childhood Educators/Teachers
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ECE Consultants/ Researchers
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Family Services/Support Workers
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Early Intervention Specialist
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Childcare Providers
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Program Directors
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Pediatricians/ Healthcare Workers
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Social Workers
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Child Resource/Referral Agencies
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Child Psychologist/Counselors
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Occupational/Physical Therapist
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Speech Language Pathologists
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Policy Advocates
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Administrators
"The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist."
Maria Montessori
Early Childhood Education Statistics
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for preschool teachers in the United States was $30,520 in May 2020.
• In the United States, as of 2020, only about 35% of 3-year-olds and 50% of 4-year-olds were enrolled in public preschool programs.
• The average annual cost of full-time childcare for a child under the age of five in the United States ranges from $9,000 to $9,600, depending on the state.
• As of 2019, 70% of 4-year-olds from families with incomes at or above 200% of the poverty line were enrolled in preschool, compared to 48% of 4-year-olds from families with incomes below 200% of the poverty line.
• The median annual wage for preschool teachers with a bachelor's degree was $33,660, and $26,660 for those with a high school diploma or equivalent.
What are the key milestones in children's development to look for?
Nothing is absolute but on average, there are several markers that indicates a child's rate of growth based on developmental skills as they grow.
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Physical development
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Cognitive development
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Language development
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Social development
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Sensory/Motor development
2-6 months
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Rolling over
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cooing/babbling
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Smiling/Engagement
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Recognize familiar faces/objects
6-9 months
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Sitting up
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crawling
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Responds to familiarity
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Stranger anxiety
12 -18 months
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Walking alone
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Object Permanence
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Vocabulary growth
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Gestures
18 - 24 months
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Run confidently
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Kick a ball
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walk up and down the stairs
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Increased independence
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