SPECIAL SECTION:
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
EDUCATION
them to excel, flag potential gaps in understanding, and provide
feedback on learning progress.
One exciting feature that will dramatically enhance
technology capabilities in the classroom is the integration
of 5G technology. Predicted to be ubiquitous by 2020, 5G
technology allows for data speeds almost 1,000 percent faster
than 4G, empowering educators with the ability to provide
a seamless platform for limitless learning. 5G will allow for
applications to run without fail or interruption, download
speeds to increase dramatically, and a significantly greater
number of devices to be able to connect without delays. Just
another exciting way technology is expected to enhance
learning.
EARLY EDUCATION
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. ■
WEST COUNTY
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FALL 2019
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