{"id":5281,"date":"2019-01-16T10:24:49","date_gmt":"2019-01-16T15:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=5281"},"modified":"2024-12-19T17:18:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T22:18:04","slug":"what-is-early-childhood-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/what-is-early-childhood-education\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Early Childhood Education, and is it the Right Career for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

During a child\u2019s first few years of life, more than one million new, neural connections are formed within the brain every second.<\/em> These neural connections, according to Harvard<\/a> researchers, are exactly what build the brain\u2019s architecture and foundation for all later learning, behavior, and health. How do these neurons form, you ask? Largely through a baby\u2019s environment and early experiences.<\/p>\n

The field of early childhood education embraces these statistics, along with the fact that, from the day children are born, they are learning. They are absorbing. As a result, the early experiences in a child\u2019s life are critical to their long-term development and health. The most rapid period of brain development is between birth and age eight, making early education a key component to a child\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

If you have dreams of becoming a teacher, or working with young children, you may have stumbled upon the \u201cearly childhood education\u201d path. You may have questions like, \u201cwhat is early childhood education,\u201d and, \u201chow does it differ from other teaching careers?\u201d You may also be wondering where to start. In this article, Goodwin College breaks down the basics of early childhood education \u2013 what it means, why it matters, and how to get involved.<\/p>\n

What is Early Childhood Education?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Early childhood education (ECE) is the period of learning that takes place from birth to eight-years-old, according to the National Association for the Education of Young ChildrenOpens a New Window.<\/a>. Most commonly in teaching, however, it refers to the education of children between birth and kindergarten age \u2013 the preschool or \u201cPre-K\u201d years. In these early years of infancy and toddlerhood, educational experiences \u2013 both formal and informal \u2013 are seen as fundamental to a child\u2019s cognitive, physical, and emotional development.<\/p>\n

Early childhood education gives little ones the opportunity to learn, discover, and play in a safe, nurturing environment outside of their home. In ECE classrooms, children are encouraged to explore colors, letters, numbers, sounds, nature, art, and other topics, while simultaneously fostering curiosity and developing core motor and social skills.<\/p>\n

There are all types of early childhood education programs out there today, along with a variety of ECE teaching methods. Formats of early childhood education can vary by state and by program \u2013 some are focused on guided, learn through play, while other programs might follow a specific regime. Some are theme-based, inspired by philosophies such as Reggio Emilia or Montessori. Programs can be dedicated to a certain age, such as preschool, or can span age groups in a daycare-like setting. Some are privately run organizations, while others are operated by a local school system or federally funded program. In the field of early childhood education, there are a variety of settings and roles you can pursue.<\/p>\n

What Does it Mean to be an Early Childhood Educator?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Early childhood education is essential to child development, and early childhood teachers are, too. Being an early childhood educator means being adaptive, creative, and compassionate. It means guiding little ones as they explore themselves and the world around them. It means being a protector, a facilitator, a guide and an advocate for each child. Early childhood educators have one of the most impactful professions today.<\/p>\n

As an early childhood educator, you will be expected to create stimulating activities and identify new experiences that support a child\u2019s development. You will monitor children\u2019s progress and ensure each child is making headway (sometimes in their own way) in the classroom. You will help children discover their own learning and playing styles, and guide them in doing so safely. You will nurture children in all aspects of development, ensuring their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. You will also help them transition from home life to a more collaborative, interactive, social day-to-day.<\/p>\n

By doing all this, you will help build a strong foundation for all future learning in these children.<\/p>\n

How Can I Become an Early Childhood Educator?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Early childhood educators play a very important role in the lives of children, and therefore must meet several requirements before pursuing a career in this highly-rewarding field. Above all else, early childhood educators should be:<\/p>\n