Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 3

Beth is my international contact from Canada who has since retired as director of CAYC. I asked her about professional Education requirements and she said for pre-k or k you need four or five years at a University. She had some good insights for me, and here is what she said.

I must stress that you must always think about the children first, not the parents. Keep a developmentally and culturally appropriateness focus. For example, many parents want to see "formal" type work and cutsey crafts. You know that is not developmentally appropriate. Alway stand strong in your knowledge and commitment. Provide parents/families with articles, videos, books etc that will help them understand your philosophy of early childhood teaching and learning. Be up front with parents about the philosophy of your centre or classroom. Also, keep current of best practices, not only the practical but the theoretical-look at the recent research. Never stop learning! My passion is to strive to provide the best early years experiences for all children. Become members of organizations and advocate for young children with governments and your local communities. Loving the children is not enough. We need to understand children, observe them and tailor the program based on what interests them and what they need. Remember that children are very capable and are not empty vessels to be filled.