o Initial Days: Spend time observing the organization's operations, noting daily routines, children’s behaviors, and staff interactions. Learn the names of the educators and children you are placed with.
o Tip: Ask questions if anything is unclear. Observe how your mentor and colleagues manage transitions and interact with children and parents.
o Engage Through Play: Participate in children’s activities and games. Play is a great way to build trust and rapport with children.
o Tip: Follow the children’s lead in play. Let them guide the activity while you facilitate their learning. Ask them open-ended questions to extend their thinking.
o Be Approachable: Smile, maintain positive body language, and show genuine interest in each child.
o Be Hands-On: Help with tasks such as setting up activities, cleaning, supervising transitions, and preparing snacks.
o Tip: Always ask your mentor where you can assist. This shows initiative and helps you understand the day’s flow.
o Ask for Guidance: Inform your mentor if you’re unsure about your role or expectations. Seek feedback on your performance and be open to these learning conversations. Discuss concerns with your Field Liaison.
o Tip: Listen actively and apply any feedback to improve your performance.
o Stay Professional: Maintain respectful and professional communication with staff and parents.
o Understand Policies: Familiarize yourself with the centre’s health, safety, and confidentiality policies.
o Tip: If a child is injured or there’s an incident, follow the protocol for reporting it to your mentor or supervisor immediately.
o Be a Role Model: Demonstrate safe and appropriate behavior at all times, as children are always watching and learning from you.
o Help Where Needed: Offer assistance without waiting to be asked, but know the limits of your responsibilities as a student.
o Tip: Be proactive in managing small tasks like setting up activities, cleaning up, or comforting a child, but always check with staff before taking on larger responsibilities.
o Be Friendly and Respectful: Greet parents warmly during drop-off and pick-up, but leave formal communication or feedback to the lead teacher unless otherwise directed.
o Tip: Observe how staff handle parent communication to understand how to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
o Take Notes: During quiet times or after activities, take notes on children’s behavior, development, and interactions.
o Tip: Use these observations to ask for feedback from your mentor or to reflect on children’s developmental stages.
o Follow the Lead of the Centre Staff: Learn the routines, language, and culture of the child care and/or early learning setting by observing how the staff work. Adjust your approach to fit the team’s style.
o Tip: Be open to adopting new methods and adapting to the specific needs of the center.
o Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on what went well and what you could improve.
o Tip: Ask for feedback regularly from your mentor and adjust based on their advice. Continuous improvement will help you grow as a professional in the ECE field.
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