SPECIAL SECTION:
EDUCATION
homes. Gen Yers, as they’ve been named,
can still vividly remember the sound of the
dial-up tone as they anticipated the number
of emails that would rush into their inbox
once the modem finally connected. For
these new parents, the answer to any
question is, and almost always was, just a
click away. These parents are aware of the
benefits of early childhood learning and of
the plethora of options available to them.
In addition, shifting demographic patterns,
with an increase in two working parents
and single-parent households, are calling
for affordable options for child care.
As the importance and positive impact
that early childhood education has on
toddlers is realized, the demand for early
education options continues to increase
and expand offerings. A few key focus
areas have been identified as important
initiatives that will shape the young
minds of the future, including early
literacy, technology in the classroom, and
emotional, cognitive, social early learning
(ECSEL).
Early literacy teaches children letter
recognition, word sounds, vocabulary, and
awareness of storytelling. Each of these
key fundamental elements helps lay the
groundwork for success in reading in the
future. Early literacy programs can also be
found at local libraries as a way for parents
to engage their children even if they are not
enrolled in a preschool program.
Technology is something our children
must learn and understand to succeed
today. But it is important for technology
in the classroom to be used properly and
not abused. Early childhood educators are
combining technologies with other types
of play and hands-on activities to get the
most out of the tools available to them.
Such tools allow for young learners to work
cooperatively on learning activities with
the use of technology to enhance their
lessons.
ECSEL focuses on teaching children
how to understand and manage emotions
to become more confident, resilient, and
understanding, which are all critical to
the success of a young learner. Laying the
foundation to build an early understanding
of feelings and emotions allows children
to better recognize emotions in others and
how to cope with them. These valuable life
skills add a tremendous amount of value
to a young child’s understanding of healthy
relationships with his/her peers. ■
MONROEVILLE
❘
FALL 2019
27