Early Childhood Educators play a critical role in the lives of young children. Did you know that 45% of children (0-5 years old) use an approved child care service (Child Care in Australia Report 2021) and the current findings in neuroscience show:
- The first five years last a lifetime
- The best learning happens in nurturing relationships
- Children are born ready to learn
- The brain develops through use
- Children’s well-being is critical to brain development and learning
(Department of Education & Children’s services, South Australia 2010)
What do we understand from this? The initial five years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development. A substantial portion of their time is often spent in early learning centers, and relationships play a vital role in their learning and overall development. This clearly highlights the significance of educators in shaping children’s lives.
As educators, there are many things we need to be aware of when we are caring for children.
The children we care for might be developmentally vulnerable.
The children we care for might have experienced abuse or neglect.
No matter what background they have come from, we need to know that the role we play in their lives is making a profound difference.
We need to know that every time we speak with a child or interact with them, we are supporting and nurturing brain development.
Our impact on a group of children, or on a particular child should never be undervalued. For some children, we are the safe person in their lives. Someone who is consistent, someone who can be relied upon.
This is why our jobs are important. This is why early childhood education and care matters.
Because this is what we do. We care. We educate. We play. We teach. We wipe noses. We hold hands. We read books. We shape lives.
So we need to choose. Every day.
We choose the language we use.
We choose to spend time reviewing our practice and researching how to improve.
We choose to respond with love, care and acceptance when we feel challenged.
We choose relationships.
If you are looking to make a difference in the lives of our little ones and want a career in early childhood education then please check out our latest job opportunities.
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