Roles and Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Education Teacher

Versatility is the hallmark of an early childhood educator. Just as children express many diverse thoughts and emotions, you must be able to adapt to and guide them on their colorful journey through life. The most effective early childhood education teachers are flexible, attentive, and always willing to learn. It’s a challenging role, but one that offers great rewards each day. Here are just a few of the many roles you’ll take on as an ECE teacher.

Looking for Milestones

The first role you'll have is that of a guide. It's your job to present exciting new paths to children and steer them toward success and away from harm. It's not always easy to keep a child engaged and interested. New teachers may struggle to find new experiences and activities to share with their students. Remember that encouragement leads to achievement. Listen to and observe children's learning and playing styles to uncover activities that resonate with them. Praise their positive accomplishments, and keep track of their progress to show them and their parents how far they've come.

Read more: How to Become a Preschool Teacher (6 Things to Know Before You Start)

Developing Social Skills

Early childhood is a significant period of development. Social skills play an enormous role in how children will interact with their peers, parents, teachers, as well as everyone they meet throughout their lives. It's your role not only to encourage communication, but to listen carefully to a child's words and actions. Movements, facial expressions, and other behaviors hold important clues about a child's needs, learning style, and interests. Rather than coerce social interaction, early childhood teachers nurture social growth through fun and positive activities. There's no standardized formula to success; each child develops social skills at their own pace and in their own unique way. It's up to you to recognize these qualities and nourish them.

Read more: Benefits of Dramatic Play in Early Childhood Education

Talking to Parents

As an ECE teacher, you'll communicate not only with children, but with parents, staff, school administrators, and other community members. Many new teachers think they should have all the answers, but this simply isn't possible. Often times parents, relatives, coaches, and other role models hold valuable keys that can help you better understand a child. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, share your thoughts, and work together with others. Teamwork is especially crucial in finding solutions to developmental delay.

Read more: How to Write a Preschool Lesson Plan 

Organizing It All

When you're not interacting with children or adults, you'll be managing the classroom and materials. This includes planning lessons, tidying the classroom, keeping track of paperwork, formulating new activity ideas, and investing in new learning materials. It's a tough task, but one that will help children reach their full potential.

Early childhood education is filled with challenges, rewards, and memorable moments for both teacher and child. With patience and an open mind, you can help steer the next generation toward a life filled with great accomplishments. Besides beginning a career you love that allows you to make a difference, the need for trained early childhood teachers is projected to grow 10% by 2026, much faster than average! With more positions becoming available every day, now is the perfect time to take the next step toward preparing for a job in the field. Want to know more about starting your degree? Reach out to an Admissions Specialist at Penn Foster today at 1.888.427.6500!

Sources
The Seven Faces of the Early Childhood Educator | Early Childhood News
CCEI August Newsletter | ChildCare Education Institute