Early childhood education is often referred to as preschool, or pre-K. The people who teach preschool are known as early childhood educators, and often must complete an early childhood education program. Some skills and qualities are needed to be successful at teaching very young children well and enjoying yourself in the process.
Meets Educational Requirements
Early child educators should receive a well-rounded education, according to the Association for Childhood Education International. They should understand and be familiar with various facets of child development, from infancy to the elementary school years. They should have a grasp of basic mathematical concepts, be fluent writers, be able to comprehend and analyze the written word, be familiar with health and safety topics pertaining to children and be knowledgeable about current events, science topics, music, art and different cultures. They must know how children learn, and how to best facilitate that learning. They should have student-teaching experience, when they are under the guidance of more experienced teachers.
Flexibility
According to EduGuide, early childhood teachers should be flexible and able to change their lesson plans to meet the needs of the children, with their various learning styles. They should be passionate about teaching their topics, and should be able to find a way to make learning interesting and fun for all of the students.
Gentle But Firm Disciplinarians
EduGuide also suggests that a good teacher will strive to keep good discipline in her classroom, using positive techniques. Young children should be disciplined gently and lovingly, and a good teacher should have good self-control at all times. She should not hold a grudge against a child or try to intimidate her students. Young children must learn the classroom rules, and a good early childhood educator will help them by enforcing the rules consistently and fairly.
Promotes Positive Self-Images
According to a report prepared by Catheryn J. Weitman and Janie H. Humphries for the Annual Conference of the Southern Association for Children Under Six, both kindergarten teachers and principals in Louisiana and Texas feel that it is important for a teacher to help young children to develop a positive self-image. EduGuide states that a successful teacher will use group activities to allow children who are "behind" their peers to work on their skills, while helping the children who are "ahead" to practice good leadership. These types of activities can help children on all levels to feel good about themselves, about learning and about school.
