Case_Study_in_Early_Childhood_Studies

Handout This essay is going to discuss the importance of effective early childhood education and what a child needs to have a safe and enjoyable day in the Preparatory class. Early childhood education provides sound learning experiences for children from birth to age eight, which is equivalent to year three, children, are very special people, and every child has special needs. Positive communication with young children helps them develop, good communication with others. They are valued and treated with respect, dignity, and justice. Children need the very best early learning experiences, and space to develop their budding minds. Early childhood Preparatory classes have a play- based curriculum, which encourages the children to develop skills and knowledge as they play. In early education, Johnson, Christie and Yawkey (1999, n. p.) state ‘The role of an adult in children’s play is a major theme of the text and is informed by developmentally appropriate practice’. All schools have their own philosophies in how they approach the partnership between parents, children, and teachers. All Queensland schools follow A Smarter Learning Framework, Queensland Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Framework, which will align: • curriculum, what is taught • teaching, how it is taught • assessment, how students demonstrate what they have learnt and • reporting, how learning is recognised and communicated to students, parents, teachers, community members, employers and systems. Developed by the Department of Education and the Arts in collaboration with the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, the Association for Independent Schools Queensland, Education Queensland and the Queensland Studies Authority ( 2008, p2). The curriculum consists of five early learning areas: social and personal learning, health and physical learning, language learning and communication, numeracy understanding skills, problem solving. Teaching: teachers must continually refine their conceptual and pedagogical skills. They select appropriate teaching strategies, review their teaching practices, and identify key areas for improvement. Assessment: is a continuous process, providing both teachers and students with relevant and useful data to gauge progress and determine the effectiveness of materials and procedure  Reporting: teacher gather student’s information from assessing, weekly test, looking at their schoolwork in their workbooks, reading tests are some of the items the teacher uses in the reporting process. This part of the essay has discussed the importance of effective childhood education curriculum, and the second part has discussed the importance of effective childhood education for the children within the Preparatory class and the requirements which are needed for that class.. Staff : Principal:- Mrs Jessie Jones Teacher:- Ms Danika Action Teaching Assistant:- Ms Ebony Ryan Miss Ezmah Brody A teacher’s task is to create a bright, and stimulating classroom to develop student’s imagination, problem solving, and by encouraging their own initiative and ability to think critically. The teacher sits on a chair to be at the same level as the children to communicate effectively using good eye contact Grellier& Goerke (2010, p 221) From the five early learning areas of the curriculum, these are our goals, learning early literacy and numeracy skills, learning personal health and hygiene skills, sharing and taking turns, learning basic technology skills, learning and interacting within our local community and bringing that knowledge back to the classroom for discussion and play. Inside and outside play which will focus on fine motor skills to strengthen muscles in their hands, to prepare for handwriting skills and gross motor skills encompass the large muscles of the body for walking, running, sitting, crawling, and other activities. Requirements for a child in a Preparatory class are: A school uniform, as the prep children will blend in with the upper classes; Wide brimmed hat which can be purchased at the office for $ 10.00; school bag; Library bag; 2 Scrap books, 2 display folders; healthy morning tea and lunch and a water bottle. All items named appropriately with child’s name and class. Schools rules are: healthy snacks and lunches, no hat no play, shoes to be worn or no play, cchildren will wash hands before eating and after toileting, Children will be sent home if they appear or state they are unwell, no running under buildings, no bullying, be safe, be friendly, be respectful and strive to achieve. Sun Care: This school has a Sun Smart Policy (2009) that follows the Queensland Cancer Fund recommendations. Our uniforms are sun safe approved, and as stated above no hat no play, sunscreen, is supplied but if your child is allergic to sunscreen please inform staff, and supply an alternative to be kept at school and staff will assist your child with the application. Your Child’s Progress: Complete age-related records on each child through testing, reading assessment, and observations, are compiled which is then recorded and reported to the parents through the child’s half yearly report card. Medication: Only prescribed medications from your physician will be administered to your child by staff and only if the parent fills out an official signed medication form and the medication is brought to school in the original box. If panadol is needed only parents are allowed to administer them. Sick Children: If your child becomes ill at school, parents will be notified and the child will need to be picked up. Your child will be excluded from school if they have a communicable disease, until recommended time has elapsed. Schools starting and finish times: 9:00 am school commences 11.00 am morning tea eating time 11.10 am morning tea playing time 11.30 am play ceases and children prepare for lessons 1:00 pm lunch eating time 1.10pm lunch playtime 1.30 pm play ceases and children prepare for lessons. 3.00 pm school ceases home/buses References Department of Education and the Arts. (2008) A Smarter Learning Framework, Queensland Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Framework. In collaboration with the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, the Association for Independent Schools Queensland, Education Queensland and the Queensland Studies Authority. http://www.education.qld.gov.au/qcar(last viewed 23/02/2011) Sun Smart Policy (2009) Queensland Cancer Foundation, http://www.cancerqld.org.au (last viewed 25/02/2011) ----------------------- Preparatory school