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WELCOME TO CE101WELCOME TO CE101

Introduction to Early Childhood Introduction to Early Childhood EducationEducation

Unit 3Unit 3

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Review of Unit 2!

Last week we spoke about the theorist that influenced the field of ECE as we see it today. Does anyone have any thoughts, comments, or ah-ha moments that they would like to share?

Jump in!

Review of Unit 3!

As professionals, we need to have to the tools necessary to provide a high-quality child care program in a nurturing, safe environment. In this unit, we will explore how the National Association of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies provides support services and guidance for child care centers and preschools across the United States. We will look at important elements in creating a safe environment for all children to play. In addition, we will explore the benefits of early learning environments and how they can improve school readiness.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit, you should be able to:

• Discuss how rules and regulations affect child care or preschool centers.

• Explain strategies that will help create safe environments.

• Explain the importance of guidance techniques.

Child Care Licensing

Depending on where we live, our state licensing requirements differ. However, we all have

someone to answer to regarding the basics for building safety, physical space, ratios,

staff qualifications, curriculum, and planning and child assessment. Because each state is

different, this week there is no chapter reading, instead there is web resources

reading.

Please share!

• Do you know your state ratios?

• Do you know staff qualifications for your state?

• Who to call if you want to be a licensed home provider?

On the Discussion Board

After you review the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Childcare and Education located at (http://nrc.uchsc.edu/STATES/states.htm) and find your state. You will share two important policies and explain why these regulations are important to the safety of the children or the childcare center and how they affect preschools and childcare centers. 

Why are Regulations Needed?

State regulations as well as the criteria for NAEYC accreditation were created to protect us, our children, our families, and our programs. 

Share ideas of how these laws and standards protect us? Jump in!

• Child Care Licensing – Director Gloria Merk- State of California

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSISAURDuZw

Licensing and AccreditationWhat are the difference between licensing and

accreditation? Do you think your state’s regulations meet or exceed

the standards for accreditation as set by NAEYC? How does the process of accreditation help to support

the professionalism of early childhood education?     • National Association for Education of Young Children

Official Accreditation • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhBBd9Tl4k4• Look for difference between license and accreditation.

        

More Questions

How does licensing and accreditation improve the quality of your program?

How do standards support the growth and development or teachers and staff?

How would you respond to a co-worker that finds the standards unrealistic or unattainable?

Please Share!

• What does a quality child care center look like?

• If you walked through the doors what would you see, hear, smell, how would you leave feeling?

Thank you!

Thank you for joining me! It has been a pleasure to share with each of you.

If you ever need anything… email me!

References

Follari, L. (2010). Foundations and best practices in early childhood education: History, theories, and approaches to learning. Boston: Pearson.

Jupiter Images Corporation, (2010). Clipart.com. Retrieved May 10, 2010 from http://www.clipart.com