Congregations Caring for Children

Qualities for Staff Working with Young Children

Qualities for Staff Working with Young Children

Qualities for Staff Working with Young Children

Qualities for Staff Working with Young Children

Qualities for Staff Working with Young Children

What qualities do adults need to work successfully with young children and their

parents?  Each center is likely to find employees with varied personalities, back 

grounds, and experience.  In general, the following characteristics offer suggestions

for selecting individuals for the staff of the early childhood program.

While the term caregiver is used to identify employees of the program, these

qualities should be sought in persons who have both direct and indirect contact with

the children.  The secretary may be asked to comfort an ill or injured child.  Custodi 

ans often complete repairs in the class area of playground area during program

hours.  All members of the staff should be expected to exhibit kind, loving, and

supportive behavior toward children and their parents.

Caregivers for young children are warm and affectionate.  They exhibit a positive

attitude toward people and life.  Their friendly manner invites children to interact

with them.  A sense of humor permits caregivers to laugh at themselves, relax, and

enjoy spending time with the children.

Caregivers are intelligent and sensible.  They model language skills, proper social

interactions, attitudes, and love.  Children learn a great deal by observing their

teachers.

Caregivers understand how children learn and grow.  They recognize that infants,

toddlers, and preschoolers learn by doing.  These adults find ways to involve chil 

dren actively in all aspects of the daily schedule.  They plan experiences which

encourage children to discover ideas and concepts which are developmentally

appropriate.

Caregivers nurture the whole child.  These adults are attuned to cognitive, emo 

tional, social, physical, and spiritual growth.  They are able to create an environment

in which self esteem is fostered.  The daily program is planned to reflect the

children's varying levels of development.  These caregivers accept children as they

are, responding appropriately to their feelings and needs.

Caregivers are flexible.  Adults who work with young children understand that

children's attention spans are short.  The mood of the group may vary continually.

As interests change or unusual events occur, well suited adults are able to incorpo 

rate the children's responses into the daily plan.  When children wish to repeat an

activity or hear a story again and again, caregivers are able to reorganize their plans.

Caregivers of young children encourage independence.  These adults value growth.

They are able to note readiness and encourage the acquisition of new skills.  At the

same time, adults are available when children need assistance or encouragement.

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