Professional Development | Think Big Start Small


	Professional Development

	Serving Children with Special Needs

	The Importance of Parent Involvement

	Professional Development & Training Matters

	When it comes to children a well-trained caregiver makes all the difference in the world. A well-trained caregiver - one who has received training in early childhood education and care - has earned the title "early childhood professional." Well-trained caregivers make a positive, lifelong contribution to the growth and development of children. Their training is a mark of professionalism. They know that their work is vitally important and they take their job seriously because quality early childhood education and care helps children reach their full potential. Well-trained Caregivers Teach with Intent. A caregiver who has received training in child growth and development knows that simple tasks and activities shared with children provide important learning opportunities for young minds. A well-trained caregiver knows how to set up valuable learning experiences for children, and is able to take advantage of unplanned, “teachable moments” as they occur. Well-trained caregivers and teachers understand:
	Child Growth & Development – Caregivers & teachers understand how children acquire language and creative expression, and how they develop physically, cognitively and socially. Learning Environment/Curriculum – Caregivers & teachers create an environment that provides learning experiences to meet the individual needs of each child. Child Observation & Assessment - Caregivers & teachers observe and assess what children know and can do in order to provide a curriculum that meets the developmental and learning needs of each child. Families & Communities - Caregivers & teachers work collaboratively with families and agencies or organizations to meet children's needs and encourage community involvement. Health, Safety & Nutrition - Caregivers & teachers work to establish and maintain an environment that ensures each child’s healthy development, safety and nourishment. Interactions with Children - Establishing supportive relationships with children and guiding them individually and as part of a group. Program Planning & Development - Knowing how to establish, implement and evaluate an early education and care program. Professional Development/Leadership - Serving children and families in a professional manner, as a proud representative of the early childhood field.

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Well-trained Caregivers Teach with Intent.