Chapter 1

You: Working with Young Children

What is a Career Goal? A career goal is the end product of a long-

range occupational plan. It is a stage that can be reached by accomplishing objectives, or steps, organized to attain it.

Why Set a Career Goal? .  Competition for jobs exists

to a certain degree in any field. 

Compile a list of careers related to the development areas of the early childhood education industry.

Battered women’s shelters Child care centers Crisis nurseries Nursery schools YMCA United Way Prisons with in-house child visitation Programs sponsored by religious

organizations Parks and recreation programs Hospitals with sick bay child care services Head start Family education agencies Elementary schools

Objectives Explain how social and economic changes

will increase the need for child care services. Describe career opportunities in the early

childhood field. Describe the CDA Credential List responsibilities of the early childhood

teacher. Explain how certain personal characteristics

can help early childhood teachers care for and educate young children.

Vocabulary 1)  early childhood  2)  nanny 3)  au pair 4)  licensing specialist – the role of this person is to protect

and promote the health, safety, and welfare of children attending centers.

5)  entrepreneur – a person who creates and runs his or her own business. 

6)  Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – those that have take n postsecondary courses in child care education and have demonstrated their ability to work with young children.  

7)   ethics – guiding set of moral principles

a.Changes in Families

b.Changes in Employers’ Attitudes

c. Changes in Education Attitudes

Explain how social and economic changes will increase the need for child care services

Identify specialized target markets

Think about a career that interests you. Determine what suggestions may best prepare you to sample a career. Talk with your family, guidance counselor and teachers about your interests.

Education and Training Needed to Work

with Young Children

High school courses CDA Credential Bachelor Graduate degree

List rewards and drawbacks of working in the child care field

Drawbacks – can be draining, emotionally

and physically. Exposed to many minor

childhood illnesses. (eventually guild strong resistance)

Often requires long hours

List rewards and drawbacks of working in the child care field

Rewards – Children make you feel

needed and special You can make a real

difference in the lives of young children.

Helps you stay young Working with children is

seldom boring. Use many talents and skills.

A love of children

Describe qualities people need to be an early childhood professional

A appreciation of children Energy Sense of humor Patience Compassion Flexibility Creativity Resourcefulness Sociability commitment

Assess your own suitability for a career in the child care field

List responsibilities of the early childhood teacher

Explain how certain personal characteristics can help early childhood teachers care for and educate young children.

a.Fondness for Children b.Patience c. Compassion d. Confidence e. Sense of Humor f.  Commitment g. Personal Desire h.Physical and Mental

Health

The need for child care has become an increasingly more important issue because of

a.family mobility b.greater numbers of dual-

earner families c.the increased divorce

rate d.all of the above

Describe the CDA Credential

One of the reasons that early childhood education has come to the forefront of public awareness in recent

years is a.the decrease in the overall

poverty rate b.the ineffectiveness of early

intervention programs that were intended to decrease poverty

c.advocacy by early childhood professionals

d.a stable divorce rate