things you learn in early childhood education

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Top 10 skills you'll learn in early childhood education courses.

Updated December 2023

Love the idea of working with young children, and considering taking early childhood education (ECE) training? Welcome! You've come to the right place.

In this post, we're breaking down the core elements of a quality ECE program.  We want you to understand what is taught in class and which skills you'll graduate with so you can know for sure whether this training is right for you.

So, let's get down to it. Exactly what will you learn in early childhood education courses?

What knowledge and experience will you gain to help you either start your own daycare or land a great position at an established daycare or preschool?

These are the top 10 ECE skills you can expect to cover during your diploma.

1. Child psychology & development

Rule #1: You can't teach children if you don't understand how they develop and learn at different ages. That's why early child psychology and development is a key part of your early childhood education training.

You will explore and analyze the emotional, physical, and cognitive development children go through from birth to 12 years old. 

Knowing how kids develop, and what they're capable of doing and learning at each stage, will help you plan activities that make sense for each age group you work with. 

You'd be surprised how quickly kids progress and how much they absorb during those crucial early years!

This is why your role as an early childhood educator is so important—you're laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

For many ECE students, exploring how young children evolve is one of the most fascinating parts of training.

2. How to plan stimulating educational activities

Many of your early childhood education courses will focus on planning creative, age-appropriate activities for the children in your care.

This is really the core of the program. It's all about designing activities that match each stage of development and helping your students learn new skills, all while having fun. No easy task!

Your training will provide you with an extensive toolkit of ideas, strategies, projects, and resources you will use throughout your career, to keep coming up with exciting new ideas for your classroom.

You'll get to try out some of these approaches during your internship. There will be two internships during your early childhood education training —a short initiation toward the beginning and a longer field experience at the end.

By the end of the program, you will have real, hands-on experience at a daycare. You'll be designing your own activities, teaching them to children, and responding to any challenges that come up along the way.

This is the fun stuff. Any ECE will tell you, nothing is more rewarding than helping a child learn something new.

3. How to handle challenging behaviours

Knowing how to handle difficult or disruptive behaviour is essential for every early childhood educator.

How you deal with conflict in the classroom says a lot about your skills as a teacher. During your training, you'll look at several different approaches to classroom management, including the latest research and techniques.

You'll learn how to identify problems early on, choose an appropriate intervention, analyze how well it's working, and adapt your approach if necessary.

Early childhood education courses will help you develop a wide range of behaviour management tools. You'll learn the very best ways to maintain order, ensure children are safe, and help youngsters learn how to behave respectfully toward you and each other.

In essence, you're helping them learn the social and behaviour skills needed to thrive at school and within society. This is a key part of your role as an early childhood educator.

4. Creating a safe learning environment

What do you need to keep in mind when setting up a daycare for babies and toddlers? What items should be kept out of reach? How can you protect your little ones from hazards?

Your coursework will cover all of this and more. Safety is the number one priority in every ECE classroom.

5. Building trust with young children

It's not always easy to bond with a group of children who don't know you and may not be eager to trust you. But trust is exactly what you need to open the door to learning.

Parents will want to see that their children like and trust you. Your supervisor will want to see that you're forming positive relationships with the kids in your care.

So, how do you build friendships with children while maintaining your authority as a teacher? You'll learn all about communication techniques and trust-building strategies during your ECE training.

And you'll get to test out these techniques during your final internship. You will work with children at a real daycare or preschool for a full eight weeks.

6. Helping kids work in teams

Sharing does not come naturally to most children. Parents and early childhood educators have the task of teaching kids how to work together, have patience, and respect each other's needs.

There's a lot of research on the importance of teamwork in education. But teachers will admit that designing effective group activities—and getting kids to work together well—can be very challenging.

You need specific skills to make this work. And that's exactly what you'll be learning in your ECE courses. You'll learn about typical issues that can arise when toddlers have to share toys and take turns, and how to create activities that will help them overcome those challenges.

You'll also learn how to get kids working in groups and which projects will help them develop those crucial interpersonal skills. They'll need these skills to do well in school and in life in general.

7. Helping kids gain independence & confidence

There are so many ways ECEs help children gain independence and confidence. From helping a child learn how to zip their coat, tie their shoes, and use the washroom by themselves—to helping a child with a learning disability master reading for the very first time.

Your early childhood education courses will focus on all the ways you can help children grow. Whether it's physical milestones, making new friends, getting used to being away from parents, or building academic skills.

ECEs help kids take on the world.

8. encouraging healthy nutrition

Nutrition is a key part of every child's development. From planning healthy meals at the daycare, to supervising kids while they eat, to noticing changes in diet—you can expect a solid grounding in nutrition during ECE training .

9. How to track and report on each child's development

Has a child suddenly become withdrawn and not as interested in playing or learning? Have you noticed some kids are not reading at the level you'd expect for their age?

Does a particular child have difficulty sitting still and following instructions? How should you respond?

One of your key responsibilities as an early childhood educator is to track and report on development and progress. Quite often, it's the ECE who first identifies learning and behavioural disabilities—and alerts parents to those issues.

Your training will teach you methods of observing children and reporting on any changes you notice.

10. How to adapt your teaching for different needs

All teachers must recognize that the kids they work with come from all walks of life. Whether they have different learning needs, speak another language, are newcomers to the country, or simply have distinct personalities—adapting your teaching to those differences is essential.

You can't expect all kids to learn in the exact same way. Or that every child in your daycare is at the same stage of development.

The challenge is figuring out ways to help each and every child learn and grow by combining a range of techniques and approaches. You must be flexible and ready to change your approach if it's not working well.

Your early childhood education courses will prepare you to serve all children equally.

By the time you finish your ECE certificate , you'll be ready to create a classroom environment where every child feels welcomed, accepted, and ready to learn. That's what it's all about!

Learn more about early childhood education training

Herzing College Montreal offers a 14-month early childhood education certificate. Training is available in English and French and includes a guaranteed eight-week internship.

Chat live with an admissions advisor to learn more about training and see if this career is right for you.

Or click below to explore the program in more detail. We're here to help!

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What Do Children Learn in a High-Quality Preschool Program?

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Development.

Your child continues to develop in many ways—physically, socially, emotionally, in language and literacy, and in thinking (cognitive) skills. Teachers support her in all of these areas.

Physical development  is the way your child moves her arms and legs (large motor skills) and her fingers and hands (small motor skills). Teachers help children learn these skills by offering different physical activities and equipment. Children run, jump, climb, throw, and catch. Using their hands, they explore materials like paints, playdough, puzzles, sand, and things to write with. By using their bodies actively both indoors and outdoors, children build healthy bones and muscles.

Social development  helps your child get along with others. Teachers work with children on respecting others and working together. By playing and learning together, children build their social skills, language skills, and self-control. With support from teachers, children learn to resolve conflicts that may come up during play.

Emotional development  lets your child understand his feelings and the feelings of others. Teachers help children recognize and manage their own feelings and behavior. They also teach children to show concern for others. To build your child's self-esteem, teachers encourage him to try new things and keep working at hard tasks.

Language and literacy development  helps your child understand and communicate through listening, talking, reading, and writing. These skills are all connected. Teachers help your child use her growing communication skills to learn new concepts.

Thinking, or cognitive, skills  develop as children learn to think more complexly, make decisions, and solve problems. As young children explore, ask questions, and create, they improve their thinking skills. Reflecting on and using information lets your child understand the world around him. The way children approach learning is also an important part of their thinking skills. For example, being able to focus or handle frustration helps him learn more easily.

Teachers help preschoolers develop their thinking skills by

• Providing interesting materials to use and plenty of time to explore them
• Offering suggestions that encourage more complex play and thinking
• Asking questions that stretch your child's thinking

Early Learning Standards

Every state has early learning standards that describe what children need to know and be able to do at a certain age. Teachers use these standards to balance what children need to learn with their knowledge of how children learn best.

Subject Areas

In high-quality preschools, teachers focus on all areas of learning. They pay attention to what children are interested in, and they plan themes or projects that help children expand their knowledge and skills in different areas. Children get a deeper understanding of a subject when they can make connections across several content areas. For example, as your child works with a friend to make a birdfeeder, they use both math and science to measure and combine materials and make the feeder stable, language to describe their ideas and decide how to solve the problem, and reading (with an adult's help) to find out what kind of seed different birds like. This kind of deeper, interconnected learning helps prepare children for kindergarten.

Speaking and listening (language).  Your preschooler's language skills develop when she has lots of opportunities to listen to and speak with others. Teachers talk with children throughout the day—while they play, at group times, and one-to-one. They encourage children to share information, ideas, and feelings with each other.

Teachers support children's language skills by

• Using your child's interests to introduce new words and concepts
• Encouraging your child to use longer, more detailed sentences by adding to what he says in conversation
• Asking questions that encourage thinking and require more than a yes-or-no answer
• Using rich vocabulary—unusual or difficult words that are new to children
• Labeling shelves and bins in English and other languages children speak

Early reading.  Most preschoolers learn to understand what reading is for and what rhyming sounds are. They listen to and talk about stories. Many preschoolers can read their own names and some simple words.

Teachers help preschoolers develop early reading skills by

• Talking about the story's characters, setting, and plot, and connecting stories to what's going on in school or at home
• Providing materials for children's play that encourage writing or show examples of writing
• Helping children hear the differences in sounds and understand that letters stand for sounds
• Playing rhyming games, singing songs, and reading books with fun language
• Pointing out letters and words in books and other places
• Helping children learn the alphabet

Early writing.  Children's writing begins as scribbles and becomes shapes that look like letters. Over time, their shapes look more like actual letters, and they write words using their own spelling.

Teachers support children's writing development by

• Giving children different kinds of paper and writing tools, like crayons, markers, and pencils
• Encouraging children to write as part of their everyday activities
• Showing children how writing works as they write down children's words about their creations or a story they make up
• Encouraging children to spell words based on what they hear and what letters and sounds they know

Math.  Children explore math concepts they will use later in school. For example, your child sorts materials in the makerspace area into things he can build with and things he can decorate with (classifying). He explores shapes and textures while making art (comparing, understanding attributes). He claps out the beats to a song (counting).

Teachers encourage math learning by

• Providing materials—blocks, buttons, acorns—to count, sort, compare, and make patterns
• Talking about math and pointing out numbers when children play, during snack time, and while exploring outside
• Asking your child to explain what she noticed or how she solved a problem
• Encouraging children to measure and compare objects
• Providing tools for children to record data

Science.  Most preschoolers ask a lot of questions about the world. Teachers encourage children to be curious, make discoveries, and think scientifically. Children observe, ask questions, and predict what might happen. Then they experiment and explain what they've found out.

Teachers support science learning by

• Setting out materials for children to experiment with
• Researching topics with children by reading books, looking up information online, taking field trips, and having experts visit the class
• Asking your child to think about what is happening and why
• Using new science words many times and in different situations
• Encouraging children to record and share their learning

Social studies.  As children learn to get along, make friends, and help with decisions, they are learning social studies. In preschool, your child also learns about himself and how he fits into his family, his class, and his community. Social studies also includes learning about the languages and cultures of other children in the class. Your child's teacher might ask if you want to share recipes, music, and traditions that your family enjoys.

Creative arts.  Children express their feelings and ideas in unique ways. It could be through painting, dancing, and pretending. But creativity supports every area of learning and can be expressed in many ways, from writing stories to figuring out how to keep the snow in the water table from melting so fast. Teachers design an environment that supports your preschooler's creative abilities, and they provide a variety of open-ended materials (playdough, seashells, chalk) to challenge your child's ability to create.

Technology.  Teachers use technology with preschoolers in many ways. Your preschooler might create art on a tablet, look at an ebook with another child, or watch videos of places the class is learning about. Using technology together encourages children to talk, cooperate, and help each other.

Preschool teachers think carefully about what technology can help children learn, and how. If your child is learning both English and his home language, his teacher might help him find music and stories in his language. A child who has special needs might use devices that help her play and learn. Teachers might use a smartphone, digital camera, or other device to record what your child is doing and learning and share it with you.

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Early Years Careers

10 Essential Skills for a Successful Early Years Educator

1st November 2023 by admin Leave a Comment

Being a successful early years educator is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, compassion, and continuous growth. As a parent, guardian, or educator, understanding the vital skills and qualities that make a great early years educator can significantly impact the development of young children. In this article, we’ll explore the ten essential skills and qualities that every early years educator should possess and provide practical tips on how to nurture and develop them. So, let’s embark on this transformative journey and unlock the potential within you to become a remarkable early years educator.

Introduction

Early years education plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future. The experiences and guidance provided during these crucial years have a lasting impact on a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. To excel in this role, one must possess a unique set of skills and qualities that go beyond traditional teaching. Let’s delve into these essential attributes of a successful early years educator.

Empathy: The Heart of Early Years Education

Empathy is the cornerstone of being a successful early years educator. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of young children, providing them with a sense of security and trust. To cultivate empathy:

• Active Listening : Pay close attention to their words and body language.
• Understanding Non-Verbal Cues : Be attuned to their emotions, even when they can’t express them verbally.
• Offer Comfort and Support : Provide a safe space for them to open up.

Empathy forms the foundation for effective communication and building strong relationships with the children.

Patience: A Virtue in Early Education

Working with young children can be challenging as they explore the world around them. Patience is key to maintaining a positive and nurturing environment . To develop patience:

• Stay Calm Under Pressure : Practice staying composed during challenging situations.
• Flexible Mindset : Adapt to each child’s unique learning pace.
• Practice Mindfulness : Stay present in the moment to avoid frustration.

Creativity: Unleash Your Imagination

Creativity is essential for keeping lessons engaging and exciting for young learners. Here’s how to foster creativity:

• Art and Craft Activities : Encourage hands-on creative projects.
• Storytelling : Create imaginative stories to stimulate their minds.
• Exploration : Allow children to experiment and make discoveries.

Adaptability: Navigating Change

The educational landscape is ever-evolving, and early years educators must adapt to new methodologies and technologies. Enhance your adaptability by:

• Professional Development : Stay updated on the latest educational practices.
• Open-Mindedness : Be receptive to change and innovation.
• Collaborate with Colleagues : Share insights and learn from peers.

Communication: Building Connections

Effective communication is paramount in understanding a child’s needs, concerns, and progress. To improve your communication skills:

• Clear and Concise : Express ideas in a simple and understandable manner.
• Active Engagement : Encourage children to share their thoughts.
• Feedback Loop : Provide feedback constructively and encourage their input.

Observational Skills: A Window into Their World

Observation is a vital tool for understanding a child’s developmental progress. Hone your observational skills by:

• Detailed Notes : Maintain records of a child’s achievements and areas for improvement.
• Adapt Instruction : Tailor your lessons to individual needs.
• Collaborate with Parents : Share observations with parents for a holistic approach.

Organizational Skills: Balancing Act

Managing a classroom, curriculum, and individual needs requires strong organizational skills. Develop them by:

• Structured Lesson Plans : Create well-organized lesson plans.
• Time Management : Allocate time effectively for various activities.
• Resource Management : Keep an inventory of educational materials.

Resilience: Weathering Challenges

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay motivated. To build resilience:

• Positive Mindset : Focus on solutions rather than problems.
• Self-Care : Prioritize your well-being to handle stress effectively.
• Seek Support : Connect with mentors or support groups for encouragement.

Teamwork: Collaborative Efforts

Working with other educators and staff is a crucial aspect of early years education. Enhance your teamwork skills by:

• Sharing Ideas : Collaborate on lesson plans and activities.
• Conflict Resolution : Address conflicts constructively.
• Open Communication : Maintain a transparent and open dialogue.

Flexibility: Nurturing Individual Growth

Each child is unique, and early years educators must adapt to their individual needs. Strengthen your flexibility by:

• Differentiated Instruction : Tailor your teaching to accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Customized Support : Provide extra assistance to children who need it.
• Responsive to Change : Adjust your approach when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i improve my empathy as an early years educator.

Empathy can be developed through active listening, understanding non-verbal cues, and offering comfort and support. Practice these skills consistently to enhance your empathy.

What are the benefits of cultivating patience as an early years educator?

Patience helps you stay calm under pressure, adapt to each child’s unique learning pace, and practice mindfulness. These attributes create a nurturing environment for young learners.

Why is adaptability important in early years education?

Adaptability ensures that you can stay up-to-date with new educational practices and technologies. It allows you to be flexible and open-minded, fostering growth in both yourself and your students.

How do I foster creativity in my classroom?

Encourage creativity through art and craft activities, storytelling, and allowing children to explore and make discoveries. Creativity makes learning fun and engaging.

What role does observation play in early years education?

Observational skills are essential for understanding a child’s developmental progress. They enable you to tailor your lessons to individual needs and collaborate with parents effectively.

How can I become more organized as an early years educator?

Organizational skills involve creating structured lesson plans, effective time management, and resource management. Staying organized helps in managing a classroom and curriculum efficiently.

In the world of early years education, nurturing the ten essential skills is the key to becoming a successful and impactful educator. Empathy, patience, creativity, adaptability, communication, observational skills, organizational skills, resilience, teamwork, and flexibility are the building blocks of a remarkable early years educator. As you continue on your journey, remember that every child is unique, and your dedication to their development will make a lasting impact on their lives.

Unlock your potential as an early years educator and provide young learners with the foundation they need for a bright future. If you aspire to be a great early years educator, keep these skills and qualities close to your heart and watch the magic unfold in your classroom.

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Early Childhood Educator Skills

Learn about the skills that will be most essential for Early Childhood Educators in 2024.

Getting Started as a Early Childhood Educator

• What is a Early Childhood Educator
• How To Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
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• Resume Examples
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What Skills Does a Early Childhood Educator Need?

Find the important skills for any job.

Types of Skills for Early Childhood Educators

Child development knowledge, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Creativity and Innovation

Classroom Management and Organization

Cultural competency and inclusivity, patience and adaptability, top hard skills for early childhood educators.

Empowering educators with specialized skills to nurture young minds through innovative curriculum, inclusive strategies, and engaging, safe learning environments.

• Child Development Knowledge and Application
• Early Childhood Education Curriculum Design
• Classroom Management Techniques
• Behavioral Observation and Assessment
• Special Education and Inclusion Strategies
• Language Development Techniques
• Early Literacy and Numeracy Teaching Skills
• Child Safety and First Aid/CPR Certification
• Educational Technology Integration
• Play-Based Learning Facilitation

Top Soft Skills for Early Childhood Educators

Nurturing growth with empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence in a collaborative, inclusive early childhood learning environment.

• Empathy and Compassion
• Communication and Active Listening
• Patience and Perseverance
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
• Leadership and Mentorship
• Emotional Intelligence

Most Important Early Childhood Educator Skills in 2024

Behavior management and positive discipline, adaptability and creativity, technology integration, health, safety, and nutrition awareness, continuous professional development.

Show the Right Skills in Every Application

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• Embrace Emerging Educational Technologies: Keep abreast of new technologies and digital tools that can enhance learning experiences for young children. Seek training in educational apps and software that support interactive learning.
• Expand Your Knowledge on Child Development: Enroll in advanced courses or workshops that delve deeper into the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children to tailor your teaching strategies effectively.
• Develop Inclusive Education Practices: Take specialized training to better support children with diverse learning needs and backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive environment that promotes equity and belonging.
• Strengthen Behavior Management Techniques: Update your behavior management skills by learning new approaches and strategies to positively guide children's behavior and foster a supportive classroom culture.
• Participate in Peer Learning Communities: Join networks or forums where Early Childhood Educators exchange best practices, discuss challenges, and collaborate on innovative teaching methods.
• Advance Your Understanding of Family Engagement: Learn new ways to build strong partnerships with families, understanding their crucial role in a child's education and how to effectively communicate and collaborate with them.
• Enhance Your Leadership and Advocacy Skills: Take on roles that allow you to lead initiatives, mentor new educators, and advocate for policy changes that benefit early childhood education.
• Focus on Self-Care and Resilience: Attend workshops on self-care and resilience to maintain your well-being, which is essential for sustaining the energy and passion needed in this demanding field.
• Integrate Sustainability into the Curriculum: Educate yourself on environmental issues and learn how to incorporate sustainability practices into your teaching to foster eco-awareness from a young age.

Skill FAQs for Early Childhood Educators

What are the emerging skills for early childhood educators today, how can early childhood educators effectivley develop their soft skills, how important is technical expertise for early childhood educators.

Early Childhood Educator Education

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Start Your Early Childhood Educator Career with Teal