Learn how to establish goals for an early learning program you want to provide kids in preschool or day care. Build your program based on the knowledge and strengths you bring to the early learning community.
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This article shares information on how to establish goals for an early childhood program you and the kids can’t resist. As early childhood educators, we want to provide the best program possible for our early learners. Understanding the goals you wish to achieve is a key part of the process of building a quality program.
The knowledge and insight you bring to the early learning environment may develop and grow over time as you gain experience and additional training. Establishing goals is only effective if you are willing to commit to continuing education and to being flexible with your vision and purpose.
This article is the first of a four-part series – Developing an Early Learning Program – with information on building a quality program for preschool and kindergarten. Find the complete list of topics with links at the end of this post.
The articles in the series discuss factors you might be considering as you plan, develop and implement an early learning program. Environments, activities, and administration all have a role to play in the development of your program.
This article discusses basic principles which I hope will help serve as a foundation for the goals and values you bring to your early learning program.
Determine your goals for a preschool program
Teaching children is a valuable profession that requires patience and understanding, resourcefulness and commitment. An early learning program for ages three to five requires its own set of tools to prepare and deliver.
I have enjoyed teaching and interacting with children in preschool and day care settings, part day and full day programs. In my opinion, early childhood educators have a two-fold task ahead of them when they enter the workplace (the learning environment) each day.
1. Early childhood educators are responsible for nurturing and guiding children.
This responsibility requires a knowledge of early childhood development stages and skill levels, along with educational requirements, of young children. Teachers and care givers learn to respond with patience and sensitivity as well as with appropriate curriculum.
2. Early childhood educators must be prepared to play all day while at work!
Many proponents of early childhood education advocate play as the most important component on which to build an early learning program. Educating children is a serious business, but it is a job that requires us to be diligent in our efforts to make learning fun.
While the underlying goal of any early learning program is to support social, emotional and cognitive learning, approaches in delivery of the program can vary. There are several factors to consider that may facilitate your success in building an early learning program.
Recognize your teaching style.
We have individual personalities to bring to the classroom. We may be quiet or energetic, soft-spoken or outgoing.
These qualities shape our goals – the way we approach planning and delivering the preschool program. You might want to highlight school readiness skills, provide mostly outdoor play, or concentrate on shared learning with table activities.
A combination of elements from one or more influences may be evident in an early learning program. Your teaching style may be influenced by your personal preferences for activities and schedules, but also by the training you receive.
- Established curriculum models
include The Montessori Method, The High/Scope® Approach, and The Reggio Emilia Approach. Each theory identifies established teaching practices and learning environments for young children. Some models require certification in order to verify expertise in the delivery of the program.
Regardless of the model(s) used, early learning teachers recognize the value of play for nurturing the development of cognitive, social, physical, fine motor and language skills of the children in their care.
Understand the classroom environment.
Early learning environments accommodate a unique demographic – children! They are designed to fulfill kids social, emotional, and cognitive requirements. The physical space kids enter will influence their growth and development, whether a half-day or full-day program.
Anticipate the flow of the classroom as you explore your goals for an early learning program. Keep in mind the opportunities for independent learning spaces or work stations, shared small group spaces, and messy art or water play spaces.
Factors that will influence your goals for the environment are staff to children ratios; nap and meal schedules; floor space and furnishings.
A licensed center will have its own set of conditions or requirements regarding early education best practices, both in program and environment. Consult local or regional offices for licensing requirements in your area.
Determine your daily schedule.
Consider the daily schedule early on in the planning stage. It provides the framework for the daily events that will be implemented to achieve your goals.
The schedule will help identify how much time to allow for each event during the day – free play time, snack time, circle time – and how much supervision will be required for each activity.
Although the schedule is an important guide for the delivery of the program, it should exhibit flexibility for overlaps in time from event to another, including transition times.
Related: Developing a Schedule for an Early Learning Program
Learn from others in the field.
Teachers of early learners can be a valuable source of information. A network of early childhood professions will be helpful as you proceed with establishing your goals.
- Have conversations with teachers in early education.
- Visit classrooms and child care centers to observe delivery of programs.
- Access current information by joining workshops, social media, newsletters.
These tips can help you determine the type of program you want to provide for early learners. The goals you settle on will support your initial objective – to deliver a quality program to early learners.
How to establish goals for an early learning program is the first in a series of four articles written to assist you in developing your own program.
Here is the list of all the posts in this 4-part series:
Part 1: Establish Goals for an Early Learning Program (you are here)
Part 2: Create a Daily Schedule for Your Early Learning Program
Part 3: Why There is Value in a Daily Planner for Your Early Learning Program
Part 4: Plan Quality Content for Your Early Learning Program