2-Explore the standards for quality Early Childhood education

From lesson plan #2 in Practicum, I learned what the standards for quality Early
Childhood Education is. The National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC) emphasizes that early childhood education program are responsible for
creating welcoming environments that reflect diversity, supports childrens ties to
their families and community and promotes both second languages and cultural
identities. I learned from reading Overview of the NAEYC early childhood program
standards how licensing standards are applied in the practicum setting. The NAEYC
program standards are based on ten key components that define quality early
childhood education. Quality childhood education provides children with many ways
of showing what they know and can learn. The ten key factors for quality early
childhood education are:
1) Relationships
I learned positive relationships are a core value for the development of
personal responsibility, self-regulation, constructive interactions and
academic functioning. Positive relationships help children feel secure and a
sense of belonging. Warm sensitive interactions help a child develop positive
self0esttem and encourage respectable relationships. I learned that children
who know they are valued feel more secure, thrive and get along better with
others.
2) Curriculum
Early childhood education must promote social, emotional, physical, language
and cognitive learning and development. Curriculum should be based on
observations and documentation of the children in your classroom. When we
objectively document children, we can provide experiences that foster growth
and development. We need to offer learning opportunities as individuals as
well as in groups.
3) Teaching
Teaching children needs to support a childs positive learning and
development. When teachers use multiple approaches it will give children
greater opportunities for learning. I learned that programs with quality
childhood education used developmentally, culturally and linguistically
appropriate and effective teaching approaches that enhance a childs
learning and development. These are reflected in the curriculum in the
classroom.
4) Assessment of childs progress
When we observe and document a child, we understand their strengths and
weaknesses. Teacher that plan curriculum around observations plan
challenging curriculum. Observations and documentation ensure that
program meets its goals for childrens learning and developmental progress.
5) Health
Healthy children benefit from education and maintain a high quality of life.
Health in children is defined as physical, oral, mental, and social well-being.
Adults need to make healthy choices for the children in their classrooms and
guide them to make healthy choices themselves.

6) Teachers
I learned from NAEYC that children benefit from teachers that have specific
preparation, knowledge and skills in early child development and early
childhood education. Warm positive interactions with children offer richer
experiences. The program needs to support a familys diverse needs and
interests.
7) Families
Families are the core to high quality childhood education. Childrens growth
and learning are integrally connected to their families. Teachers need to
establish relationships with families based on mutual trust and respect,
support and involvement. Consistency in a childs life take both the parents
and teachers for children to grow and prosper.
8) Community Relationships
When running a quality early childhood education program, you will help
families connect with needed resources from the community. This will help
children and families receive the needed support to foster development and
learning.
9) Physical environment
The design and maintenance of indoor and outdoor equipment helps facilitate
child and staff learning and development.
10)
Leadership and management
Early childhood education implements policies and procedures that support
staff, families and children. Effective leadership creates an environment for
high quality care by ensuring compliance with licensing standards.
Quality early childhood education promotes positive relationships with everyone
involved in the childs life. Licensing standards are followed to ensure the health,
safety and development of the children.