Question

(Management and Administration in Early Childhood Education)

2. Discuss two important roles and responsibilities that you as a teacher undertake in supervising children at your early childhood education setting. (1000words)

Answer 1

In today’s world, it is not enough for teachers to just take care of the academic life of students. But they need to go beyond that and help the students deliver the critical life skills that they should have to survive in the world. So who is an early-childhood teacher? An early-childhood teacher is a teacher who works with students between 3 years and 5 years. Usually an early-childhood teacher has the responsibility of engaging the student in activities that help in the development process of the child. However, they also have many other roles and responsibilities. Two important roles and responsibilities that me as a teacher would undertake in supervising children at my early childhood education setting are:

1. Observe and Communicate

The first one would be to observe and communicate with the students. As we all know how important communication is in any relation.Thus communication is a very important factor in a teacher-student relationship as well. I would observe the children's behavior first and then make notes on it. After observing the student’s overall behaviour and body language, I will communicate it with his or her parents. And I will do this at regular intervals. If she becomes concerned about a child, she communicates with the parent immediately.

1. Address Cultural or Special Needs

The second role I would play is to address the cultural or special needs of the student. This is a very sensitive topic. Early-childhood teachers must try to solve the cultural or special needs: emotional, physical or educational needs of the children. For instance, if a child has some phobia, the teacher must be aware of it and try to help him or her to overcome it. Also, if a child’s culture or religion doesn't support him or her to celebrate certain functions or holidays, I will respect the child's perspective and choice and provide an alternative activity.

We should always remember that addressing students' social and emotional needs is not a waste of time. If students are scared or insecure, learning will be difficult for them. I will try to spend some time to make students realize that mistakes are pillars of success. They should realize that I am there to help and not to judge or scold them. They should feel safe in a classroom and for that teachers must use strategies that create a positive atmosphere. Create regular class meetings where students can express their problems. Here are a few ways to address cultural or special needs of the students.

See Students as Individuals

As a teacher, I see each of my students as individuals. I will conduct different sessions where they talk to me one on one. After receiving information about family situations, celebrations, learning styles, and likes and dislikes of my students, I will work on them. After one year, I would revisit those students to make sure that they are recovering. However, the most important way to help my students is by making them feel supported by designing meaningful instruction that met their needs and challenge them to overcome their problems. I will try to believe in my students more than they believe in themselves. Trust me, this is an amazing way to improve their emotional and social health.

Establish a Support Network

In my school, I will try to build a network of administrators, teachers, special education professionals, and counselors with whom I can consult by sharing information about my students. By understanding each of their life within the school, I can help them in their life outside the classroom as well. I can also learn from other teachers who have already dealt with such students who are having difficulty.

Keep Tabs on Students

I must say that this can be a difficult task to do but it is not impossible. At times it becomes difficult to maintain balance between academic and character development. I will try to request the principal of the school to develop programs that facilitate character development activities and discussions. I will also try to take out time when I can establish a connection with the children on a more personal level. This includes making small and short conversations with them during lunch or any other break time. It is also extremely important to keep a tab on students who might have issues with family. I will check in with the school counselor about these things from time to time. I also try to maintain a positive attitude and gain their trust so that students feel safe to share.

Build Small, Real-Life Connections

The nature of relationships that teachers try to build with their students is important. Such teachers can sometimes be observed making efforts to relate to students about their day to day life. As a teacher, I will also try to make efforts to find out about my students.