Teamwork and Collaboration
Pascal (2009) noted that Early Childhood Educators and teachers working together plan and implement early learning play-based programming and curriculum, monitor and document children’s developmental progress, build strong and positive communication with families, implement extended day activities, and foster health promotion.
Play-based Curriculum
Early Childhood Educators are professionals who demonstrate in-depth knowledge of child development theories and play-based learning. They have expertise in working with children from birth to 12 years of age through a 2 years post-secondary diploma in Early Childhood Education in Ontario.Early Childhood Educators plan play-based learning experiences for children by using reflective practice, conducting naturalistic observations, and applying effective teaching strategies. Educators also make assessments to identify children’s individual needs, interests, and strengths in order to create early learning curriculum that would be developmentally appropriate (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2010).
Regulated Professionals
Registered Early Childhood Educators and teachers both are regulated professionals in Ontario, and they are accountable to the public and governing bodies. They also work together in planning and implementing play-based curriculum in the Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program by following and practicing the professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice established by their professional self-regulatory bodies (College of Early Childhood Educators, 2012).
Encouraging Parent's Involvement
Early Childhood Educators’ duties include observing, monitoring and assessing the development and growth of children in Kindergarten and extended-day program in schools. Early Childhood Educators are dedicated to building partnerships with families by respecting and valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the FDK program.They regularly communicate with families in promoting their children’s learning abilities; they also discuss assessments and report cards with families (Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, 2012).