IN Moon Township Fall 2019 | Page 31

SPECIAL SECTION: EDUCATION EARLY EDUCATION LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL EARNINGS? WE WANT YOU! The perfect part-time job is right in your backyard – BECOME A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER! The next generation is starting to have children. This generation grew up in the 1980s and early 1990s, when televisions were “old news” and computers were just starting to creep into people’s 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.   ■ We are locally owned and operated • Morning/ Afternoon • Free training and • Driver referral bonus Shifts licensing – Classes • 401K begin soon! • Split shift great for • Employer paid life entrepreneurs, stay • Earn while you learn insurance policy and at home parents, • Stay active and AD&D retirees, and we involved in your • We are the 1# welcome Veterans. community operator of Blue Bird • Field trips and • Attendance/Safety School Buses summer routes Bonus – 3 times a available for extra year work • No CDL required NOW HIRING FOR OUR WEST ALLEGHENY, QUAKER VALLEY, GROVE CITY AND PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS 1.888.317.4144 | Monarktrans.com Now Cra Is your child ready to begin a lifelong love of learning? 10 C cra@ A current issue of this magazine is also available online. icmags.com Gi opppor full Car For m www.e Your Child. Care. Their Future. Your Our Child. Our Care. 412-444-4600 Their 200 Cedar Ridge Dr., Future. Pittsburgh, PA 15205 At Tende our teache caring for c make new havin [email protected] Give your child the oppportunity to reach their full potential at Tender Care Learning Center. We exist t a lifelo For more information visit: www.earlyeducationpros.org Learn more about at Ear MOON TOWNSHIP ❘ FALL 2019 29