For this week's assignment, we are to choose 3 ideals that are significant to us and why. I have chosen mine from: NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved
May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf.
1. I-1.1 To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
This should be obvious. One cannot work in the field of early childhood education if they do not have the basic knowledge about what it means to be a teacher of young children. Currently, in many centers across the country, all you need to apply for a job as an ECE teacher is a high school diploma and a clean criminal background check. Organizations such as NAEYC are working to change this, encouraging further specialized education. Personally, I would like to see it taken further. I believe that all ECE teachers should have at minimum a 4 year teaching degree in ECE, and have successfully completed student teaching. Those with lesser educations, such as 2 year degrees, CDA's, etc. would be able to work only as assistant teachers.
2. I-1.6 To use assessment instruments and strategies that are appropriate for the children to be assessed, that are used only for the purposes for which they were designed, and that have the potential to benefit children.
There are a great deal of assessment tools available for use in the field of ECE. Some are better than others, some are downright bad. NAEYC is attempting to highlight some of the better program s available, thus eliminating the use of the really bad programs. In order for a teacher to use any assessment tool effectively, the teacher must be trained in how to use it correctly. Having worked with several systems, I have seen first hand that this is not always the case. Training usually consists of webinars, held during teaching hours (so the teacher is listening with half an ear at best), with spotty technology (usually there is a glitch with the sound, or getting the pages to display correctly, or other media issue), and no real in-depth understanding of how the program works. In addition, teachers who lack the training in observation cannot use assessment tools effectively. Even the best of programs will not work if the person using it does not understand it.
3. I-1.8 To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities.
Teachers want their students to be able to actively engage in all activities. This means that teachers must be ever watchful of things which may hinder a child's ability to fully participate. They need to be sure that all supplies are able to be used by all students, with adaptations made where necessary. They need to be sure all students can safely move throughout the center, both indoors and out. They need to be on constant lookout for areas in which a child could become injured, and corrections need to made immediately. Safety for all needs to be key!
Over the years, I have seen a great many changes in the area of ECE. However, we still have a long way to go. We must always looks for ways to make the systems better, for the sake of our children.
In terms of qualifications for ECE teachers, how do you feel about the teacher with years of experience, but no formal educational training? If the laws were changed to require a bachelors degree, how would those teachers fit into the picture? -Mary
ReplyDeleteI would like to piggyback on Mary M's comment and ask, "If the rules were changed to require that all early childhood teachers should have a 4 year degree, wouldn't that pose a question about increasing how much these teachers should be paid? As early childhood professionals, we all know that passion pays more than what we receive on our paychecks! So, how would you approach paying teachers more so that they are motivated to achieve 4 year degrees? Monique
ReplyDeleteIn reference to the qualifications for ECE teachers, I agree that anyone entering into an ECE program should have some training/ schooling. For Lead Teachers I believe they should have a minimum of an AA degree or higher along with years of experience and Assistants/ Floaters should be required to have a minimum of a CDA. The ECE program is growing and changing and all educators in the field should be knowledgeable about the ECE field. They need more then just the experience they need the education and history to benefit them in their field. With all of that being said the pay/salary would have to go up so that these educators can pay for their schooling,living, etc. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteI agree that we must always be looking for a better system. I also believe that us as teacher should always be trying new things with students and just the ESE students. Students learn better when there is active engagement in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteMany programs are realizing that a teacher NEEDS a formal education in order to successfully teach. For example, I teach in a Pre K Counts classroom, a state funded education program for children for families with low incomes. All Pre K Counts teachers MUST have a 4 year degree in ECE, and teaching assistants must also have formal training. Because we are state funded, our pay is higher than what we would get in an average preschool classroom, but not on par with what a district would pay. The standards we have to meet are much higher than a typical preschool classroom, as well. Our state has started a grant program to help those working in ECE to obtain a higher education, in exchange for committing to stay in ECE for a set time after graduating.
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