Tips and How to be a Successful Early Childhood Educator
Before you start your career as an Early Childhood Educator, consider if the job is right for you. Below is a list of character traits that make a great & successful ECE.
- Love for children and working with them.
- Patient and dedicated
- Creative and enthusiastic
- Strong communication skills
- Well organized
- Professional
- Kind and caring towards others
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Accepting of other backgrounds and beliefs
If you fit all of the above traits, then becoming an ECE is the perfect career for you!
STAND OUT
After graduating from your post-secondary program, it is time to look for a job. Create a portfolio to help stand out from the rest of the applicants. Check out our other blog post to learn more of what to include.
Have your three reference letters ready. You can even attach them in your portfolio for ease for the employer. Most daycares will ask for three reference letters from previous coworkers or friends when deciding on your application.
When you have the job, help out and care for the children as much as you can. Build relationships with everyone.
COMMUNICATE
Communication is key when working as an ECE. You have to communicate with the children, parents, and coworkers.
When communicating with children, your voice should be soft and nurturing. Make sure to be affirmative and support the children in their decisions. Enthusiasm is key when teaching and interacting with children to get them excited about learning.
When you are communicating with parents, your voice and tone should be calm and reassuring. Most parents will be concerned on how their children are performing and developing, so a calm voice and reassurance will help put them at ease.
When communicating with coworkers, your voice should be relaxed and more normal. If you show stress or you are flustered the children will pick up on this and may start to misbehave. It is important to put on a brave face and poise yourself appropriately as the children are observing you at all times.
