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How to become an Early Childhood Educator

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered November 05 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Early Childhood Educators need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of early childhood development, including best practices and current research. They must also understand and comply with all early years’ programs (e.g., school board policies and procedures and state and national legislation).   
    
Many aspiring Early Childhood Educators must have completed an Early Childhood Education college degree or a combination of education and experience that yields the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Familiarity with health and safety regulations is often required yet always preferred. An up-to-date portfolio of immunizations and proof of first-aid and CPR training is almost always a requirement. Additional certifications are definite assets, including training for children with specialized needs.  
    
Most Early Childhood Educator positions require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of child care experience, particularly when working with infants and toddlers. All Early Childhood Educators must have a clear criminal record and a medical certification of good health. Most companies will also conduct child welfare checks and vulnerable sector checks before hiring for this position. 

What can help you become an Early Childhood Educator
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills:   
Communication might seem like an overused skill to list in just about any position or industry, but its importance never seems to diminish. On the surface, it's about proving your ability to speak clearly and confidently, either verbally or in writing. Deeper down, communication involves tact, patience, and sound judgment, especially when communicating with parents and staff. It also relies heavily on listening to identify children's needs and difficulties with ease.    
  
  • Strong sense of empathy and compassion:  
Early Childhood Educators should make it their priority to demonstrate a sincere sensitivity to children's individual needs. This approach includes having an optimistic, energetic, fun-loving attitude and the ability to motivate others. It creates a thriving learning environment that allows children to feel genuinely cared for and fosters their growth and development. Empathy and compassion go a long way when working among and directing focus on multicultural groups inside and outside the classroom, supporting a diverse range of children and families of all backgrounds and abilities. 
 
  • High levels of creativity, initiative, flexibility, and responsiveness, and strong leadership skills:  
It should come as no surprise that Early Childhood Educators should adapt well to changing demands. The early year's classroom is, in a word, unpredictable. Using creativity and imagination to develop new insights and apply new solutions to problems will benefit professional ECE's looking to make a difference with their teaching techniques. Adopting these skills also supports children's development by modeling healthy adult-child relationships and positive discipline. 
Easteregg!