Early Childcare Providers

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Early childcare providers can be a child’s first and best teacher. The quality of early childcare depends on the education and skills of the childcare provider. “Multiple research studies link positive outcomes for young children with higher levels of teacher education” (Garavuso, 2016, p. 182). A college degree has not been a requirement when caring for children, but when childcare providers show evidence of a college degree, this can result in quality early care and higher pay. Higher paid early care teachers tend to stay longer in the same job. When an early childcare teacher remains in the same job for an extended period of time, it allows them to continue the nurturing relationships they form with the children that are in their …show more content…
“Currently more than a dozen states are implementing quality rating system (QRS), which include a workforce education and training component to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in early care and education settings” (Learning, 2007, p. …show more content…
This will allow the early childcare workers to access professional development and education by way of technology. “The workforce needs a variety of professional development opportunities to meet the rising demand for education and training needs. Providing barrier-free access to education and training, whether it is offered on campus or online, is absolutely vital if the field is to meet new teacher standards. The potential distance learning provides as a method for addressing this need is promising yet uncertain (Learning, 2007, p. 6). Distance learning programs is one delivery mechanism that nontraditional students can benefit from but can but can also deter them from accessing a higher education due to their lack of technology skills. Technology skills are important for all students but as stated in the Exchange Trend Report, “Most childcare professionals, unlike the young children in their care, have come to computers as adult learners and can be resistant to using technology when face-to-face interactions and relationships are at the heart of their work” (Donohue, 2003 p. 17). “Some child care programs are making good use of computers and digital technology, but few are able to take full advantage of technology as a tool. The computers that some programs use were already obsolete when they were donated by parents years ago. More and more centers now have high