Learner Record Entry 3
The importance of self-awareness and
effective interpersonal skills in an ECCE setting showing evidence of the
importance of on-going learning and training.
I am on my third module in Childcare
Level 5, and I realise that this is an area where a childcare worker never
stops learning. It is important to be
aware of oneself, reflect on own skills and talent and continue updating for
professional development. This will help
to keep up to date with different standards, requirements and expectations that
inspectors, staff, parents and children have.
Increasing
Self-Awareness
Part
of my assignment is to keep a daily diary to record what I did in my placement
in the ECCE setting dealing with staff and children. I have to write down ways in which I could improve
or extend an activity, whether it goes well or not, and plan for an activity
that is in line with Aister and Siolta standard.
In
one of my activity, I consulted a staff member to do a paper star making, since
it was difficult for children to do such, I suggested to change it. I asked the staff what would be the best
thing to do, she replied to let the child draw, decorate and cut their own
star. This showed team work and
coordination with staff as well as with kids which help me to understand and
link it to Aistear theme, which is exploring and thinking.
I also learned to observed in
different areas of child development which helped me to be aware of and
knowledgeable. For example, when
carrying out a physical observation to a 10 months baby. That the
gross motor skills of the baby were evident by using the large muscles to the
body, lifted her whole body from sitting position by reaching and holding the
top of the table. I find it so
interesting how they do things on their own, how to stop them if they are
crying. How staff feed all of them in
one go.
Interpersonal
Skills
It
is important to have a good interpersonal skill in an ECCE setting when dealing
with different people with different personalities. Some skills that are
essentials for this job includes;
·
Consultation and listening to staff, as a newbie there are
some different messages needed to be interpreted.
·
Communication – learn the language of children and discuss
issues to parents and staff concerning various issues affecting their children.
·
Assertive – as one needs to be sure about the work they are
completing with children, the way they are doing it and why there are doing it.
·
Problem Solving and negotiating as children often need help
solving arguments and need to be taught how to share and respect others.
·
Teamwork as staff need to collaborate with other staff
members and share ideas with them to come up a goal and consider the best for
child.
These skills help to motivate and
encourage children and feeling of belongingness. For example, when I was doing my observation
in social development of the child, they showed their ability
to interact with others and form friendship by exchanging words and sharing
their materials. (Flood 2013) This link in theme of Identity and belonging
where children develop a positive sense of who they are, and feeling that they
are valued are respected as part of family and community by giving them a
chance to express, a right to belong to the group and explore their own
attitudes in relation to equality and diversity.
Another example
when I do my education routine, since I have no experience in childcare, I
talked to the staff and asked what routine do they do. One girl was looking at me and I said hello
to her, and asked her name and gave my name at the same time we shook
hands. Entering the room, I greeted them
with a smile, “Hello good morning” waving my hands. There are busy playing, one by one I shake
hands with them. I sing a song to them, like “Hello, hello, hello, Hello how do
you do, I’m glad to be with you and you and you and you.” This will help the kids to be at ease to a
stranger like me. Another girl asked
me, is your skin brown? She was curious, and I said yes, it is. Another girl asked me, why are you here? I replied with a smile, to do my assignment,
because I am doing a course. Thus, to
get the attention and to help the kids to be at ease I need to use my skills by
interacting with them through singing a children song and an action song. I learned that children love singing and they
will stop and listen if they will hear it the first time.
The importance of training and professional development
Childcare
is a growing field where amendments are made all the time. It is essential for all jobs in this day and
age to do the Continuous professional development (CPD). For the past number of years new research has
proven the benefits of free play and different areas that relate to Aistear and
Siolta. Tusla inspect and they look if
the setting incorporates these aspects into their setting. In order to upskill in specific areas,
childcare committees often hold a different workshops and courses for childcare
workers, e.g. Aistear workshops and first aid courses. It is important to be open to new ideas.
To
all the childcare worker to be in control of, and manage situations that arise
as they have the confidence and knowledge they need to pursue the CPD. It will really benefit the childcare workers
as they are considered more employable or may be favoured with regard to promotional
opportunities within the workforce. CPD
not only benefits the childcare worker but also the setting where qualified
practitioners are confident in their ability to carry out quality work and
maintain best standard and practices.
Children provided with care, support and education that enhance their
learning and development and establish foundations that the children can build
and flourish throughout their school years and later in life. Parents feel more
confident and secure leaving their children in the care of one who has
undertaken training in the area.
I saw a good opportunity in this
field, every time there is job offers in the local newspapers, particularly in
Childcare facilities, they require 5 or 6 level in Childcare Course. For me, there are few options I can choose
to. Firstly, one of my purpose is to
work in the office. As I have notice
that even hiring an office worker, it requires a Level 5 or 6 in Childcare
qualification. If I can’t get a job in an office environment, I can be a
childminder, or Early Years Educator. I
am planning to go to the next level for me to be competitive and more so,
meeting people and getting ideas are very good bonus.
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