Preschool
What We Saw: A new child and the
child's mother are touring the center. The director who
is giving the tour introduces the child to the teacher.
The teacher kneels down right at the child's level and
says to her, "Oh, you are going to come here? Nice to
meet you. We have lots of fun here". Other children in
the classroom wander over to talk with the teacher and
the new child.
What It Means: Positive interactions
between children and teachers are one of the top indicators
of quality in early childhood programs. When adult-child
interactions are respectful and responsive to each other,
then young children's development improves in all areas
-not just social but also cognitive development. This
teacher helped the child feel welcome from his first moment
in an early childhood setting. When the other children
came over to talk to the new child, it started the process
of peer interaction that assists children in developing
socially, emotionally, and intellectually. The first day
at a new school is always difficult, but this child is
likely to make the transition with a lot less separation
distress because of the thoughtful and sensitive approach
of this teacher.
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