Which of these is a distinguishing characteristic of an early childhood professional

The reasons why individuals choose a certain profession can offer insight into the traits they need to perform their job well.

In a recent survey of 43 early childhood educators, published in “Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web”, the researchers found that the vast majority of respondents wanted to become early childhood educators at a young age in order to make a difference in the lives of the children and ensure that they got all the opportunities and nurturing they deserved and needed. All participants also claimed that their profession was a good match for their personalities and life goals.

So, what are the qualities that qualify one to achieve fulfilment in a career as a child educator?

1. Passion

   In the survey, the participants claimed that enthusiasm and drive are the most important qualities for early childhood educators. Every job has its unique challenges, and for the childcare industry, some of the shortcomings include financial and physical challenges. Educators who are passionate about impacting the lives of children can be motivated enough to rise above the challenges.

2. Perseverance

   It is important to exercise tenacity and dedication when advocating for what you believe is best for the children with regard to their education issues or other needs. You should be prepared to have your voice heard.

3. Pragmatism

   As a early childhood educator, you must be able to choose the goals to pursue carefully, and occasionally settle for small wins as you work towards a bigger, long-term goal.

4. Patience

   Patience is equally as important as pragmatism, especially when dealing with children and their families. Managing a classroom of young children with differences can be quite challenging for many educators. Children generally need to be constantly reminded before they can grasp something new.

5. Flexibility

   It is important that early childhood educators are able to deal with sudden changes and unexpected turns in a swift manner, and find an alternative that works well. You must adjust your pace and accommodate the individual and group needs of the children within your care.

Other important qualities

In the study, the respondents also claimed that they must exercise respect, creativity, authenticity, charisma, high energy, and love for learning. Children are very perceptive when it comes to judging character, and they respond accordingly. So, educators must be highly competent at their job.

For more information on early childhood education and educators, please visit ChildVentures.ca.

Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: H1008 / Teacher,Early Childhood

Recruitment Tier: Tier 1

Grade: 08

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Provides a stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate educational environment where children have the opportunity to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Provides a block and lesson plan by which classes are conducted. May lead and functionally supervise teacher's aides or assistants.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Organizes and provides developmentally appropriate early childhood education programs; plans and implements curriculum and education for children ranging in age from six weeks to twelve years old.
2. Provides activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children.
3. Plans and prepares classroom setting; oversees safety and educational programs; supervises children in the classroom; provides a supportive environment in which children can learn and practice appropriate and acceptable individual and group behaviors.
4. Interacts with parents and community groups; maintains open and cooperative communication with parents and families, encouraging their involvement in the program and supporting the child's family relationships.
5. Writes and compiles individual assessments of each child's development; completes daily inventories, child attendance, and related reports.
6. Participates in teaching undergraduate and graduate early childhood education labs, as appropriate.
7. Participates in research programs concerned with improvements in early childhood teaching methods, as appropriate.
8. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Successful completion of at least 60 college-level credit hours; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Knowledge of early childhood education programs and techniques.
• Knowledge of child development theory and practice.
• Ability to evaluate, design, and implement curriculum, testing, and/or teaching methodologies.
• Ability to provide activities for children that encourage healthy growth.
• Ability to exercise control and maintain classroom discipline.
• Knowledge of applicable safety procedures.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• Ability to persuade and influence others.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) development and delivery of early childhood education programs appropriate to developmental levels and learning styles of children; b) assessment of individual child development and completion of appropriate reports and inventories

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to secure and maintain a valid UNM Driver's License.
• A valid New Mexico Driver's License, or ability to obtain a valid NM Driver's License within six months of hire, is required for this job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Must earn a Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education or related field. 1st course must be started within 6 months of DOH and 1 course completed each year thereafter. (Main Campus employees)
• Must obtain and maintain current adult, child & infant CPR and First Aid Certification. Initial certification must be achieved within 6 weeks of date of hire. (Main Campus employees).
• Must complete the NM 45-hour entry level training course, or equivalent, within 90 days of date of hire. (Main Campus employees)
• Successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and CYFD fingerprinting background check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/14/2021

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