Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/mentorship-an-innovative-and-responsive-approach-to-professional-learning/5026814/
The early learning and child care profession is growing. The shift early childhood education experienced when it moved from governance under social services to education supported the recognition of the professionals leading the work of early learning. They were seen as skilled educators and not only caregivers. While caregiving is an essential part of the work of an early childhood educator, it is only a portion of the skill set required to support the teaching and learning process that is needed to support a curriculum framework. Research has proven how critical the early years are for a child’s developing brain and capacity for lifelong learning, and the subsequent impact on families and communities (McCain, 2020). Yet, early childhood education continues to be viewed as an unskilled profession. The sector has been advocating for the validity of our expertise as professionals for decades.
ECEs and other early childhood professionals, such as supervisors, directors, and pedagogical leaders, are practitioners that need to be equipped with specific skills, knowledge, and expertise to do their jobs effectively. They face increasing demands, standards, and expectations of what they should know and be able to do to support and promote children’s early learning and development. Sound knowledge of ...