Early childhood educators are professionals who specialize in teaching children from birth to five years old. These educators play a critical role in children’s lives. They help to shape a child’s relationship with learning and their ability to thrive in a school setting. Preschool teachers and other early childhood educators can make a real, lasting impact on young children’s lives.
This article will explore the critical role of early childhood educators in child development. You will learn about how these special educators lead little learners to a lifelong love of learning.
Reach out to the New Horizons Learning Center team to learn about our early childhood programs. You may also schedule a tour of our learning environment. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
The Role of Early Childhood Educators in Child Development
Preschool teachers and other early childhood educators play a unique role in a young child’s life. They create safe, enriching programs that can support a child’s growth and development during a critical life stage.
During a child’s first five years, their brain changes and grows more than at any other time in their life. Great educators can nurture a child’s development during this time. They can also help to foster confidence and enthusiasm about learning. This positive attitude toward education will carry on through elementary school and beyond.
Here are some of the reasons an early childhood educator’s role is so important.
First (non-parent) teachers
Parents are a child’s first teacher. As a parent, you spend more time with your child and have a special influence on who they will become.
Early educators are often a child’s first teacher, other than their parents. Young children may begin an early childhood education program without the experience of being away from their parents. Educators understand the importance of this role. They work to create the best, most nurturing experiences possible for every child in their care.
Child development experts
Early childhood educators have specialized education in early learning. Many have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. This education and experience allow them to understand childhood development. They can use this knowledge to create engaging enrichment programs that support development from birth to five.
Play
Research shows that young children learn best through play and hands-on learning. Early childhood educators can prioritize high-quality, enriching play. They focus on creating safe, engaging learning environments and designing play-based curriculums.
Self-esteem
Your child’s early learning teacher can have a significant impact on their self-esteem. Great educators nurture a child’s confidence by fostering independence, encouraging creativity, and using developmentally appropriate guidance and expectations.
Promote independence
Early childhood educators take special care to foster independence in the classroom. They understand what is developmentally appropriate to expect from children of all ages. Teachers then encourage children to learn new skills that support independence. For example, early educators may teach children how to zip, button, and snap so that they can get dressed on their own.
Beliefs and values
Teachers follow a curriculum that encourages kindergarten readiness. These practical skills and knowledge will support a lifetime of school success.
However, beliefs and values are among the most essential things an early childhood educator instills in children. A teacher’s patience, respect, empathy, and understanding can impact a child’s sense of the world and themselves.
Social skills
Early childhood educators model desirable social skills, such as:
- Listening politely when others are speaking
- Using “please” and “thank you”
- Taking turns
- Sharing
- Respect for others
Hands-on learning and practice in the classroom can reinforce these important social skills.
Prepares children for kindergarten
An early childhood teacher plays a significant role in helping to prepare children for kindergarten. When educators think about “school readiness,” they think of more than academics. Real kindergarten readiness means being a good classroom citizen, including:
- Being able to maintain attention for stories, instructions, activities, etc.
- Having respect for others
- Following a teacher’s directions
- Communicating needs
- Being able to make friends
- Working well with others
Early childhood teachers identify each child’s needs and goals. Then, they work to prepare each child to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. They are responsive to their students’ needs and anticipate future challenges. Their attention and care can have a real, lasting impact on a child’s life.
Partner with families
Early childhood educators understand that it takes a village to raise happy, healthy children. Teachers work closely with families to provide the best, most nurturing care and education possible. They consider parents and other family members partners in a child’s education.
Our Early Childhood Educators
At New Horizons Learning Center, our educators get to know every child and family in our programs. Partnering with parents and other caregivers allows us to give each child the best possible early learning experience.
Reach out to our educators now to learn more about our early learning programs. You can also ask questions or schedule a tour of our center. We look forward to meeting you soon!
