(See related pages)
|
|
|
| Early childhood education is a special branch of education that deals with children from birth to eight years of age. There are four key themes in the training of early childhood educators: reflective thinking, multiculturalism, holism, and professionalism. Early childhood educators look to the science of child development for their knowledge base about what children need and how they learn and develop. As well, numerous professional organizations guide and support early childhood educators in the various types of programs they work in. Child development is the study of how children change as they get older. Over the years, researchers in this field have devised theories that explore the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral development of children—theories that maintain their relevance in the field of early childhood education today. Taking the cue from these theorists, many educators have made contributions to early childhood education through the development of creative and innovative programs. Early childhood education is a profession—one that entails legal as well as ethical responsibilities—that is dedicated to children, families, colleagues, and society. |