Early child education is basically a branch of educational theory that includes teaching of children i.e.teaching of young children up to the age of eight. It particularly focuses on the basic education which proves helpful for the young children before the start of compulsory education. So it is first step that helps in building the foundation for a child’s learning and development. One should become an early child educator because it is the best career opportunity in today’s time. It will help in developing professional skills as well as professional qualities and in turn it will provide a best career pathway plus competitive pay.(Baldwin et al. 306).The demand for an early childhood educator is increasing and will continue to increase due to the increasing importance of educational experiences. This early childhood programs provides short term as well as long term positive effects on the cognitive and social development of the child.
Intentional teaching has three basic features; it is informed, thoughtful and deliberate. Intentional teaching has become an effective and very important part of early childhood education from last few years. It helps in knowing that children’s learning is enhanced basically through interactions. This interaction is done with more informed and experienced learners.(Bantam, 1972).
An effective teacher helps in setting high standards and ensures that a student understands the purpose, structure and expectations of the course or topic. It helps in building new skills in the students. High quality early childhood programs consists of several important characteristics, these are engaged and responsive teachers that supports a child’s learning , a teacher makes sure that indoor and outdoor environment is safe for the children and the main characteristics is the involvement of family in their child’s education.
Three basic tools of measuring high quality teaching are: 1. Environmental rating scale. 2. Classroom assessment scoring system. 3. Quality first point scale.(Chelsea House, 1988).
The recent research shows the following positive effects of early child education:
- Reading and maths skills increases
- Family wages increases
- Dependence upon public assistance decreases
- Helpful for lower income children.
Current trends affecting early childhood education: in 1990 many schools proved in improving their learning environment and achievement of the children but still there were many schools that were still backward in their learning environment and it continued till 2000. When George W. Bush got elected he improved this program of early child education up to a great extent. By 2005 many standards were passed that included that every state had early child education program.(Wesleyan UP, 2005).
References:
- Pausch, Randy. "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Journeys. Carnegie Mellon University. McConomy Auditorium, Pittsburgh. 18 Sept. 2007. Lecture.
- Durham, David Anthony. "The Boy-fish." Gumbo: A Celebration of African-American Writing. Ed. Marita Golden and E. Lynn Harris. New York: Harlem Moon Broadway Books, 2002. 43-56. Print.
