May is Early Childhood Education Month
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed the month of May as Early Childhood Education Month to acknowledge and thank Early Childhood Educators (ECE) for their work in helping lay the educational foundation for Saskatchewan's youngest residents. Childcare workers and ECEs take on the responsibility of nurturing children’s inherent talents and encouraging them to explore the world when parents need to work. They create stimulating and enriching environments where learning and play are fused into one and are integral parts of each day. They provide the essential care, guidance, and education that lays the foundation for children’s future development through the nurturing of their cognitive, emotional, and social skills such as sharing, caring, and playing well with others.
May 8 has also been proclaimed as ECE Appreciation Day. The day recognizes the many Saskatchewan ECEs who play a key role in shaping children’s well-being, development, and learning in early years settings. It is a reminder for the public to express gratitude to them and recognize the crucial role these professionals play in shaping the futures of the next generation. Just as it is important to recognize teachers and school support personnel, it is equally important to recognize and appreciate the dedication and hard work of ECEs in all the settings in which they work.
ECEs work in regulated childcare centres and day homes, Pre-kindergarten classrooms, the Early Childhood Intervention Program, Early Years Family Resource Centres, and many other environments that families and children rely on every day. Through their daily interactions with children, they watch for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems, assess the abilities, interests, and needs of children, and discuss progress or problems with parents, other staff members, and supervisors. ECEs play a vital role in providing kids with the essential skills needed for lifelong learning, through self-directed discovery and exploration which builds on the child’s own sense of curiosity about their world. Early childhood educators and assistants lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being.
“Children are our most valuable resource, and it is imperative that we recognize the profound impact that early childhood educators have on both society and the development of these young minds,” Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA) Chairperson Georgia Lavallee said. “Early childhood educators play a crucial role in supporting children in various ways such as facilitating development, building relationships, encouraging exploration, teaching essential skills, promoting social skills, supporting emotional wellbeing, partnering with families, and advocating for children. Overall, early childhood educators play a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and wellbeing.”
ECEs do what they do by learning new skills and practicing best practices while working together as a team with other educators to build a warm, welcoming environment with activities geared to stimulate children’s curiosity and pique their interests. In a culturally diverse nation like Canada, these professionals play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and celebrating differences among young children. They engage in ongoing training and development and stay updated with the latest pedagogical practices.
Unfortunately, many still see their role in the preschool sector as ‘glorified babysitters’ and that must change. Yes, they clean little hands many times per day; change little shoes, clothes, and more, multiple times per day; clean up messes while encouraging messy play; wipe tears and show patience when minor incidents trigger major emotions; and they take care of the bumps and bruises that happen during active play while taking accidents in stride. They strive to see the world from children’s perspectives and take the time to get down on the children’s level and talk with them so they can build unique relationships with the children in their care. They model and encourage children to learn new skills and habits, how to accept new people and appreciate differences, and they help children build their social and emotional skills while providing opportunities to develop friendships. They support children with activities to develop fine and gross motor skills as well as language skills. They help to prepare young children for elementary school and beyond by fostering creativity, success, confidence, and skills that will last a lifetime. They keep the children in their care safe and happy, even on days that might be a bit more trying than others, and they show up and keep showing up every day, because the kids they care for, in a way, become like their own.
A child’s brain develops the most rapidly during early childhood. By the time a child reaches five years old, their brain has already reached about 90 percent of its adult size, so it is tremendously important to make the most of those early years. Children learn and grow through natural everyday interactions like music, reading, cooking, and playing which all help them to develop confidence and problem-solving skills and much more for many those learning experiences are facilitated by Early Childhood Educators. ECEs do not ‘just sit and watch’ children. Being an ECE sometimes requires great patience because young children do not all learn in the same way at the same rate. Sometimes it takes more time and creativity to communicate new concepts or to help them learn to problem-solve. The ability to understand instinctively how others are thinking, feeling, or reacting to a situation is what is called emotional intelligence, and it comes in very handy when working with children who have not yet reached the stage of being able to identify what they are feeling and why. They utilize strong communication skills not just communicating with the children, but also with parents and co-workers.
Although May 8th is the day dedicated to the appreciation and acknowledgment of the significant role Early Childhood Educators play in the lives of children, take the time throughout this month and the year to let them know the positive difference they make in the futures of young children is recognized. Their efforts help to build the foundations for successful education and the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of children.
Carol Baldwin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Wakaw Recorder
