Qualified Teachers Are Essential to Quality Programs for Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has developed 10 standards that outline what child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens, and other early childhood programs should provide to nurture young children. One of these standards outlines the importance of qualified teachers who are committed to children's learning and care.
Teachers in quality early childhood programs have specific preparation, knowledge and skills in child development and early education so that they provide positive interactions, richer language experiences, and quality learning environments. To meet the teachers standard, programs must hire teachers who are qualified and caring.
- Teachers have professional training in early childhood education, with at least a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and preferably an associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
- The program makes provisions for ongoing staff training and education, so teachers can continue to gain skills and ideas that will help children's learning.
- Teachers have an understanding of the program's curriculum and ways to use it to meet individual children's needs for learning and development, including early reading, math, and science skills.
- Teachers encourage children with a variety of social experiences and opportunities for learning, and they regularly evaluate children's progress so they can help each child.
- Substitutes, volunteers, and other adults get an orientation before they work with children, including health, safety and emergency procedures, as well as classroom management techniques. These adults work with children under the direct supervision of qualified teaching staff.
- Teachers recognize and support the importance of parent involvement.
Quality early childhood programs have qualified and committed teachers that work to promote young children's learning. To learn more about the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standard on teachers, www.naeyc.org/accreditation/standards/ the NAEYC Accreditation system, and other signs of quality early childhood programs, visit www.rightchoiceforkids.org.