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 arranges and facilitates the use of the physical space and materials in ways that support healthy development, self-management, and cooperation
Behaviors & Skills
a
Elicits children's input about room arrangement and materials
b
Designs the environment so that each child has a space for personal items to ensure his/her sense of belonging and security within the community
c
Ensures that walkways as well as gathering and work spaces have enough room for children to move and interact comfortably
d
Sets clear boundaries in the physical environment that help children know where centers begin and end
e
Separates noisy centers from quieter ones to help children concentrate
f
Places furniture so that various seating arrangements can be used: individual, small group, whole group
g
Includes a space for large muscle activity and movement
h
Designs a space for children to "cool off" or to be alone
i
Intentionally selects materials that foster discovery, inquiry, imagination, and creativity, and that actively support a variety of goals
j
Labels materials (when useful to children) using pictures and words, and places them so that children can access them independently
k
Includes input from families and observes children to identify children's favorite toys/materials in order to encourage engagement and interaction
l
Regularly evaluates the amount/number, relevance, and types of materials available as they relate to children's interests, development, level of stimulation, and curriculum content. Adds or removes materials as necessary
m
Adapts materials to accommodate for children with special needs