Continuing Education for Preschool & Daycare Teachers

Educators are never done learning. When you’re working with young children, there are always new developments in the field to stay on top of and new strategies to try. This is why it is so important to continue developing and growing in your role as an educator through continuing education and professional development. We’re breaking down why continuing education for teachers is crucial, and how to find it if your current job doesn’t offer it. 

Overview

• Importance of Continuing Education
• Examples of Professional Goals
• Free Courses
• Should I join an early childhood professional association?

Why is continuing education important for early childhood educators?

As technology progresses and we understand more about child development and the brain, there are always new developments. We understand the importance of high-quality relationships with caregivers in the development of speech and language, attachment, and social skills and as an educator, you will never know it all. 

Continuing education helps keep educators and caregivers up to date on the latest curriculum standards, nutrition guidelines, and classroom management strategies. Are you having trouble thinking of fun sensory activities or stumped on how to help a child who’s struggling? There’s probably a workshop for any challenge you’re currently facing in your classroom. 

Learning new things also helps keep things fresh and fun. Imagine if you taught the same thing the same way every single year? That can be incredibly boring and chances are if you’re bored, the kids are bored too. 

What are some examples of professional development goals?

Your individual professional development goals may vary depending on the age you work with and your position. A director or owner’s professional development needs will be different from a teaching assistant’s needs, but both are equally important. Your goals may also reflect what you feel are your strengths and areas for improvement. If you struggle with curriculum development or classroom arrangement, you may look for workshops geared toward your needs. 

Your goals may also depend on the needs of the children in your care. If one year you have a group of children with high support needs and you aren’t sure how to tailor your program to meet their needs— that will become your focus. Your director may also help you create goals based on their observations or feedback from families. 

Some ideas for professional development goals can be:

• Improving parent-teacher communication
• Curriculum planning and individualization 
• Developing classroom management and routines
• Understanding sensory needs and how to accommodate 

Are there free options for professional development?

There are many different options for finding professional development opportunities. Some of them may be free, while others have a fee. Depending on where you work, you may be reimbursed for professional development or your program may pay for it. Some programs even offer their own in-house professional development based on the needs of their staff. When you are interviewing for an early childhood job, a great question is what kind of professional development or continuing education opportunities exist.

Places to look for free or low-cost continuing education programs:

• There are lots of online webinars and courses available, and many of them are free!
• Your local childcare resource and referral agency can guide you to professional development workshops that are offered in your area
• Places like children’s museums, science centers, or other cultural centers often offer workshops for educators. 
• Local community colleges or Universities may offer low-cost continuing education courses and workshops.

Should I join an early childhood professional association?

Joining early childhood professional organizations can be a game-changer for early educators. These organizations offer numerous benefits, including networking opportunities, access to resources, and professional development opportunities. By joining a professional organization, educators can connect with others in their field, share ideas, and gain support from like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of working with young children. Networking can also lead to potential job opportunities, mentorship, and project collaboration.

Additionally, joining a professional organization can give early educators a wealth of resources to help them improve their teaching skills and stay current on industry trends. Many organizations offer webinars, workshops, and conferences where teachers can learn new techniques, gain insight into the latest research, and discover new teaching materials. Professional organizations often publish newsletters or journals with practical advice and helpful tips. By taking advantage of these resources, teachers can enhance their teaching abilities and provide a better learning experience for their students.

NAEYC or the National Association for the Education of Young Children is a great one. They also have local chapters, which often hold conferences or events that are jam-packed with workshops and lectures. 

There are also childcare or Head Start associations, many of which offer resources for early childhood educators. If you find your local chapter, you can sign up for their newsletter or contact them directly to see if they have any upcoming events or workshops. 

Another way to find out about learning opportunities is to speak with other early childhood professionals. You can use sites like Winnie to find other programs in your area, network with other educators and keep each other in the loop when it comes to continuing education workshops and courses.