Core Body of Knowledge
New York State's Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators
Core Body of Knowledge
NY's Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators
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Competency Description
The professional working with young children creates an environment that is predictable, promotes interaction and learning, and is responsive to children's needs
Behaviors & Skills
a
Designs schedules that are predictable but flexible and reflect children's right to fresh air, physical activity, rest, and nourishment
b
Uses a steady, calm tone when providing direction and redirection to children
c
Develops group rules with children and states the rules in a positive form and not in a negative form ("Walk, please" vs. "No running")
d
Implements classroom rules with consistency
e
Consistently uses a predictable signal to gain the attention of the group and regularly models the expected response
f
Uses a variety of strategies to engage children's attention and active participation
g
Engages and maintains children's attention before and during communication (i.e., giving directions, speaking, beginning an activity, requesting information)
h
Speaks slowly, briefly and concisely clearly when giving directions
i
Makes sure expectations for routines and tasks are clear and purposeful for all children before asking them to follow through
j
Teaches the steps involved in routines and tasks: repeats directions; provides visual support while giving directions; and uses visual and/or verbal prompts to help children follow through when necessary
k
Observes and guides the whole group during transitions, rather than focusing on individual children or preparing materials
l
Uses clear visual and auditory cues to support children during transitions
m
Keeps transitions to a minimum, and makes them short, meaningful, and consistent
n
Uses positive guidance strategies to prevent challenging behavior from occurring
o
Establishes clear, consistent, and realistic boundaries based on developmentally appropriate expectations