Page 2 - LESSION 17.pmd

Qualities and Roles of an ECCE Teacher

Teachers play a significant role in realizing the objectives of the ECCE
programme.

Let us study the key qualities of ECCE teachers. These are not only desirable Notes
but indispensible.

Froebel, the Father of Kindergarten, said:
I understand it thus. She (the mother) says, “I bring my child–take care of
it, as I would do”; or do with my child what is right to do, or “do it better
than I am able to do it”. A silent agreement is made between the parents and
you, the teacher; the child is passed from hand to hand, from heart to heart.
What else can you do but be a mother to the little one, for the hour, morning
or day when you have the sacred charge of a young soul? In hope and trust
the child is brought to you, and you have to show yourself worthy of the
confidence which is placed in your skill, your experience and your knowledge.

Source:Early Childhood Education Today,-George.S.Morrison-p-619

An ECCE teacher is:

Loving and Caring

Children need love, care and affection to open up and get along with others.
As children enter a new space of ECCE centre, they need an affectionate teacher
on whom they can rely for their needs. Unconditional love and care helps in
developing a sense of trust between children and the teachers. This also helps
in children’s sound social and emotional development. Teacher’s concern and
care for different needs of the children pave the way for forming an everlasting
bond with them. This further helps in solving classroom problems with mutual
understanding and belief. A sense of belongingness is developed in children
enabling them to build more trustworthy relationships with others in future.
Thus, being caring and loving are one of the most important qualities ECCE
teachers are expected to possess.

Energetic, Enthusiastic and Motivated

Teachers full of positive energy energise the classroom and children. Joyful
teachers have the potential to create an atmosphere which is enjoyed by all
children. Play leads to healthy development of children and enables them to
learn and explore a variety of things around them. Motivated teachers mingle
well with children in various activities which leads to children and teachers
constructing ideas together and learning together. Such teachers experience
inner satisfaction and happiness while working with children.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 137