The document discusses the professional preparation and characteristics of effective early childhood educators. It outlines that educators should be physically and mentally healthy, caring, respectful, and strive to continuously improve their practice. Educators acquire knowledge about child development, families, curriculum approaches, and how to form partnerships. Professional preparation includes both informal learning like mentorships as well as formal education programs. Research shows that higher levels of teacher education can improve the quality of early education and child outcomes. Effective educators observe and record details about children's behaviors and development to inform curriculum planning in a culturally appropriate way.

1. Chapter 5
Effective Preparation and Tools for
Professional Educators
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2. Characteristics of a Competent Early
Childhood Educator
• Early Childhood Educators are Physically and Mentally
Healthy
– Physical health provides energy
– Emotional stability helps deal with stress
– Positive Self-Image
• Gives you strength to make decisions
– Caring and respectful
• Brings pleasure, enjoyment and satisfaction
– Professional
• Striving to do your best
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3. Acquiring Knowledge
• About Yourself
• About Children
• About Families
• About Early Care and Education
– Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)
• About program implementation
• About partnerships
– Families, Colleagues, Community
• About advocacy
©2014 Cengage Learning.
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4. Professional Preparation of the Early
Childhood Educator
• Informal opportunities
• Formal opportunities
– Mentorship
– Workshops, seminars, speakers, continuing education
courses
– Vocational school courses
– Community College and University courses
– Child Development Associate (CDA) preparation
programs
– College or University degrees
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5. Impact of Teacher Education on Quality of
Care and Education
• A question: Does teacher preparation make a
difference in the quality of care and education
provided and child outcomes?
– Because teachers of infants and toddlers are
more likely to have lower level of education and
early years are critical to brain development, we
can no longer ignore this question
©2014 Cengage Learning.
All Rights Reserved.

6. Observing Young Children to Make
Educational Decisions
• You cannot plan appropriate curriculum or be
attuned to a toddler if you have not observed
what the child is trying to accomplish
• Play close attention to why you are gathering
data, how you are gathering data, and how it
is analyzed
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7. Observing Young Children to Make
Educational Decisions
• Observe and Record
– Why Observe?
• Planning requires specific, detailed knowledge
– Who to Observe?
– What to Observe?
– Why Record?
– How to Observe and Record?
• Narratives, checklists, rating scales, authentic
documentation
– Analysis
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8. Spotlight on Research
• Culturally Appropriate Assessment
– Teachers must see that:
• Assessment instruments are used as designed
• Results of assessment are interpreted through
a particular cultural lens
• We are culturally competent in screening
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9. Checkpoint Discussion Questions
• What are important knowledge bases for
professional educators to have? Why?
• How do partnerships with families and
community agencies help to promote the
development and well-being of very young
children?
• Discuss with someone your understanding of the
concept “developmentally appropriate practice.”
How can you learn more about this idea?
©2014 Cengage Learning.
All Rights Reserved.

10. Checkpoint Discussion Questions
• Name at least 5 different experiences that
early childhood professionals can have that
result in the growth of their professional
knowledge and skills.
• How does formal and informal education help
early childhood teachers to be more effective
in their various roles?
©2014 Cengage Learning.
All Rights Reserved.

11. Checkpoint Discussion Questions
• Why must teachers observe and record the
behavior of infants and toddlers? What
observation tools will (or do) you use most
often? Why? What are the benefits to you, the
children, and families when using these tools?
• List four available community resources and
explain how each can be used to add value and
resources to your child care program.
©2014 Cengage Learning.
All Rights Reserved.