|
Unit |
Topic & Objectives |
| 1 |
Welcome
- Become familiar with the training program.
- Discover characteristics of quality child care. |
| 2 |
Working with Children in a Group Setting
- Learn how caring for other people's children is different from caring for your own children.
- Discover that toddlers and preschoolers behave differently.
- Know how to help children and parents adjust to a new caregiver. |
| 3 |
Adjusting to the New Center
- Become aware of the policies and procedures of your new center.
- Learn how to find resources in your center that you can use. |
| 4 |
Supervision of Children
- Know and count the children.
- Know where to stand in the room.
- Work as a team with other caregivers. |
| 5 |
Creating a Safe Space for Children
- Become aware of the policies and procedures of your new center.
- Learn how to find resources in your center that you can use. |
| 6 |
Regulations
- Learn why the Iowa Department of Human Services regulations are important.
- Observe examples of regulations in practice.
- Understand how regulations affect your center. |
| 7 |
Hand Washing and Toileting
- Know why and when it is important to wash hands.
- Learn diapering/toileting procedures. |
| 8 |
Healthy Environments
- Understand why it is important to prevent the spread of infection through daily and ongoing sanitation.
- Learn your center's procedure for an accident involving children. |
| 9 |
Emergency Procedures
- Know your center's emergency plan and your role in it.
- Become aware of your center's procedure for an accident involving children. |
| 10 |
Communicating with Children
- Learn about nonverbal communication (body language, smiling, and listening.)
- Learn about effective ways to talk with children.
- Realize the importance of encouraging and respecting the children in your care. |
| 11 |
Nurturing and Caring Adults
- Be aware of the ways you nurture children, emotionally as well as physically.
- Recognize that children need nurturing to grow and develop.
- Learn ways to help children who need extra support and care. |
| 12 |
Observing and Recording Children's Behavior
- Know why it's important to take the time to observe.
- Learn to identify what to observe.
- See how to observe and record behavior. |
| 13 |
The Early Childhood Classroom
- Identify the areas of classroom management.
- Learn the differences between the daily schedule for an infant and for a preschooler.
- Become aware of the three sources of ideas for activity planning. |
| 14 |
Play and The Young Child
- Understand the ways in which play is children's work.
- Know the stages of play as children grow older.
- Know how to help children learn through play. |
| 15 |
Learning Through Play
- Know what toys and materials help children learn through play.
- Understand what children learn in different play areas of the classroom. |
| 16 |
Child Development
- Learn what influences a child's development.
- Learn what "developmentally appropriate" means.
- Find out how children develop. |
| 17 |
Physical Development
- Learn the milestones of physical development.
- Realize that each child grows and develops at this or her own rate.
- Learn what you can do to support and encourage children's small and large muscle development. |
| 18 |
Language Development
- Learn about language development.
- Be aware of how language develops from infancy to preschool.
- Learn what you can do to support and encourage children's language development. |
| 19 |
Thinking Skills
- Learn about cognitive development.
- Be aware of how language develops from infancy to preschool.
- Learn how you can support and encourage children's thinking skills. |
| 20 |
Development of Self
- Become aware of how children develop a sense of self.
- Understand the stages of emotional development.
- Learn ways to support the development of self-identity. |
| 21 |
Social Development
- Learn the milestones of social development.
- Learn what you can do to support children's social development. |
| 22 |
Job Stress
- Identify what causes stress for you.
- Recognize your signs of stress.
- Become aware of ways to relieve your stress. |
| 23 |
Behavior Management
- Learn how to set the stage for acceptable behavior.
- Name the "no-bend rule" for adults working with children.
- Understand why children might misbehave.
- Learn practical ways of dealing with an on-the-spot behavior problem. |
| 24 |
Transitions
- Identify transitions throughout the day.
- Become aware of difficult transition times for children.
- Learn how to help children through transitions. |
| 25 |
Nap and Rest Times
- Become aware of each child's need for a nap and rest time.
- Learn how to keep children healthy and safe during rest time.
- Discover ways to make the transition into and out of nap and rest time.
|
| 26 |
Meaningful Mealtimes
- Know your center's routine for mealtimes.
- Understand basic health and safety practices.
- Learn how to make mealtimes more interesting and enjoyable.
|
| 27 |
Parent Partnerships
- Know the rights of children and families.
- Show respect for all families.
- Learn how families' concerns and issues affect your child care center.
|
| 28 |
Communication with Parents
- Know the factors to keep in mind as you communicate with families.
- Learn examples of communication strategies.
|
| 29 |
Team Communication/Working Together
- Talk about the importance of good communication.
- Know the elements of good team work.
- Learn problem-solving skills.
|
| 30 |
Professionalism
- Learn about how to apply ethics in your child care center.
- Know what it means to be an early education professional.
- Identify ways to develop professionally. |