During my early childhood education, I loved my Arts and Craft teacher because she allowed as to explore our creativity limits. She would offer one on one assistance to every child in the classroom. We had the free reign to draw or paint anything that came to mind. The professional engagement and understanding that the Arts and Craft teacher provided the learners enabled them to enjoy the lessons. The characteristic stands out for me as an essential way of developing better relationships with the children to enhance their academic outcomes (Castle, 2009). Professional understanding and engagement with the pupils are a core considerations in developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Other essential elements of DAP include viewing the learners individually and culturally (CHS 111, 2014). As an educator, I will utilize the DAP to identify the cultural and individual characteristics of pupils to facilitate inclusiveness, engagement, and multiculturalism.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Most learning institutions and parents are only concerned with the basic academic outcomes of the learners. They never stop to consider the health of the learners as an essential aspect of education. Childhood is a sensitive period in a youngster’s life due the susceptibility to different illnesses and the need to culminate health behavioral practices at a young age. Schools thus attempt to inculcate health education into the curriculum to teach the pupils concerning the importance of securing their well-being. The educational programs create positive outlooks amongst the children and life skills that can enhance health and safety practices. Other strategies that the learning institutions utilize to secure the well-being of the learners are employing nurses, providing physical education, and healthy foods in the cafeteria, etc. (Fiene, 2002). The practices are effective as long as adequate attention and resources are directed towards developing the health initiatives in schools.
References
Castle, K. (2009). What Do Early Childhood Professionals Do?. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 37(3), 4-9.
CHS 111. (2014). Foundations of Early Childhood Education. Unit 1 Lecture.
Fiene, R. (2002). 13 Indicators of Quality Child Care: Research Update. Presented to Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and Health Resources and Services Administration/Maternal and Child Health Bureau U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
