Healthy Kids
8 Qualities Every Early Childhood Educator Should Have
08 April 2016 - by Cheryl - YMCA Child Care
“It takes a village to raise a child” is an often-heard proverb in parenting circles – and there’s no doubt in today’s world, early childhood educators play an important role in this village.
To outsiders, their job may look like they “play all day” but ask any parent with kids in child care or preschool programs and they’ll likely say these educators are superheroes.
Parents and teachers are partners in helping children develop social, motor and cognitive skills. Early childhood educators are not just teachers - they’re counsellors, advocates, cheerleaders and friends.
If you’re a parent searching for child care or someone looking for an early childhood educator career opportunity at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, below are some superpowers we think every early childhood educator should have:
Empathy – Teachers and educators understand the moods and emotional highs and lows of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. They know when a hug or high-five is needed.
Encouragement – They don’t rely on Jedi mind tricks but rather words of encouragement to get children to try something new.
Patience – Early childhood educators know young children may need to be reminded multiple times to do something, how to do it or not to do it at all. They can repeat themselves with a smile on their face every time.
Mastery of Time – On the flip side, early childhood educators are masters of time. They know how to handle toddlers and preschoolers running in different directions and how to stick to a schedule. They‘re masters at getting children to transition or move onto the next activity quickly with ease.
Creativity – Teachers can make anything out of everyday items. There’s nothing they can’t do with glue, scissors and some Pinterest inspiration. Want to see some of the fun things kids get to do at our YMCA child care programs? Get a glimpse of your child’s day on our Twitter and Instagram feed.
Fearlessness - Young children often find bugs, insects and other creepy crawlies fascinating and teachers aren't afraid to get up close and personal with them even though inside, they’re saying something completely opposite.
Transformation – Dramatic play is a big part of many early childhood education curriculums. Early childhood educators have no hang ups about getting into character and can transform into another person, animal or object in a matter of seconds.
Adaptability – Every day is different with a classroom of infants, toddlers or preschoolers; early childhood educators can adapt to children’s interests easily with their plan B, C, D, E, F and sometimes G.
Parents interested in learning more about the YMCA’s child care programs can find information on the Early Learning and Care page.
If you’re interested in working for the YMCA of Greater Toronto as an Early Childhood Educator, head on over to the Join Our Team page.
To outsiders, their job may look like they “play all day” but ask any parent with kids in child care or preschool programs and they’ll likely say these educators are superheroes.
Parents and teachers are partners in helping children develop social, motor and cognitive skills. Early childhood educators are not just teachers - they’re counsellors, advocates, cheerleaders and friends.
If you’re a parent searching for child care or someone looking for an early childhood educator career opportunity at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, below are some superpowers we think every early childhood educator should have:
Empathy – Teachers and educators understand the moods and emotional highs and lows of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. They know when a hug or high-five is needed.
Encouragement – They don’t rely on Jedi mind tricks but rather words of encouragement to get children to try something new.
Patience – Early childhood educators know young children may need to be reminded multiple times to do something, how to do it or not to do it at all. They can repeat themselves with a smile on their face every time.
Mastery of Time – On the flip side, early childhood educators are masters of time. They know how to handle toddlers and preschoolers running in different directions and how to stick to a schedule. They‘re masters at getting children to transition or move onto the next activity quickly with ease.
Creativity – Teachers can make anything out of everyday items. There’s nothing they can’t do with glue, scissors and some Pinterest inspiration. Want to see some of the fun things kids get to do at our YMCA child care programs? Get a glimpse of your child’s day on our Twitter and Instagram feed.
Fearlessness - Young children often find bugs, insects and other creepy crawlies fascinating and teachers aren't afraid to get up close and personal with them even though inside, they’re saying something completely opposite.
Transformation – Dramatic play is a big part of many early childhood education curriculums. Early childhood educators have no hang ups about getting into character and can transform into another person, animal or object in a matter of seconds.
Adaptability – Every day is different with a classroom of infants, toddlers or preschoolers; early childhood educators can adapt to children’s interests easily with their plan B, C, D, E, F and sometimes G.
Parents interested in learning more about the YMCA’s child care programs can find information on the Early Learning and Care page.
If you’re interested in working for the YMCA of Greater Toronto as an Early Childhood Educator, head on over to the Join Our Team page.
