UP Michigan Works!

On-the-job Training

• Establishes and maintains a safe, caring, inclusive, and healthy learning environment
  • Interacts with children according to their individual learning style and developmental period (from birth through age 8) with physical, cognitive, socio emotional, and linguistic activities
  • Ensures that the learning environment is culturally responsive to children from a variety of different backgrounds
  • Makes evidence-based decisions to support each child based on their developmental needs
  • Takes cues from children when they are unwell or need help
  • Acclimates children to the school environment so the transition between home and school is smooth
  • Maintains a safe and enriching play environment
  • Complies with state licensing requirements and company policies with regard to safety (health, cleaning, sanitation)
• Plans and implements intentional, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences
  • Collaborates with other early childhood educators in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of early learning activities
  • Confers with other staff members to incorporate reflective supervision of children and feedback, and plan and offer opportunities for children's growth and development
  • Gives children an age-appropriate balance of individual, small group, and whole group activities
  • Reads, understands, and follows state early learning guidelines, guidance from Head Start, public pre-k, and elementary education, and privately-owned childcare
  • Plans and offers activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programs which include key learning development areas
  • Works towards planning learning activities that allow children of all backgrounds to feel included
  • Offers early symbolic language with underpinnings in reading and math that is age appropriate
  • Guides and assists children in the development of positive interpersonal relationships between peers, and models conversation, eating, dressing, sleeping, and toilet habits
• Observes, documents, and assesses children's learning and development
  • Assesses and celebrates each child's unique variations to better design curriculum and instruction to support their development and learning needs
  • Observes and records work samples, including anecdotes, from children over time, including taking dictation of children's reflections and ideas to show progress
  • Identifies and uses different types of assessment accurately and ethically
  • Tracks children's developmental and academic progress to plan next steps and shape learning opportunities
  • Maintains accurate and coherent records and reports, and shares information only when appropriate
  • Complies with relevant federal, state, and local requirements around mandated reporting, child study, and supports for children with disabilities
• Develops reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with families and communities
  • Learns about each child's cultural background and does relevant research to better relate to them
  • Works in partnership with parents and/or caregivers to help them advance, recognize, and value the contributions they make to the child's health, well-being, learning, and development
  • Respects and values parents and/or caregivers as children's first teachers
  • Discusses children's progress and plans next stages in their learning with parents and/or caregivers
  • Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children
• Advances and advocates for an equitable, diverse, and effective early childhood education profession
  • Understands and complies with company policies about inclusivity and equity.
  • Promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices
  • Communicates effectively, sensitively, and confidentially with apprentices, families, and colleagues of all backgrounds
  • Serves as an informed advocate for the early childhood field
  • Advocates for the needs of children and their families
• Engages in reflective practice and continuous learning
  • Takes advantage of available opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
  • Openly receives critique and feedback from peers and supervisors, and improves own practice as appropriate
  • Engages in continuing professional development and reflective practice to improve own skills, practice, and subject knowledge
  • Models and promotes compassionate behavior
  • Maintains effective communication in a professional manner with peers, supervisors, parents, and community