Cache Level 3 and Early Learning Centres
Early learning is a key period in life. It helps your child develop physically, socially and emotionally to prepare them for school and life. Your child’s experiences at an ECE service or kura are guided by the Te Whariki Curriculum Framework and can lead to their future success in school and beyond.
Level 3 is a qualification that can help you work as an early years educator in England. The course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to support children aged 0-5 years in all areas of their development and care. It also gives you the opportunity to build your professional portfolio and advance your career.
In the UK, a Level 3 childcare qualification can open up a number of opportunities for employment in various sectors including nursery schools, creches, and after school clubs. The qualification is equivalent to a diploma and covers a range of topics related to the early years sector, such as communication, health and safety, play and supporting children’s learning. It also provides the foundation for progression into a range of higher education institutions and careers such as early years manager or nanny/au pair.
The Early Learning Foundations (ELF) program actually prepares the brain for academics and expands math concepts for early learners using a multi-sensory approach. It uses a “neuro-educational” approach that is not workbook page driven and produces “neuro pathways” which can be thought of as highly developed highways moving information from the brain to the body. This makes it easier for students to learn at the highest levels and is especially beneficial for children with learning challenges or developmental delays. ELF also includes a daily review of all mathematical operations, so that students can develop a strong and solid math foundation.
Preschools
Early learning programs provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive. High quality education for young children has been shown to improve outcomes, narrow achievement gaps, and convey long-term benefits in school and life.
Many states and communities provide free preschool for children ages 3 and 4 who are at or below the poverty line. These programs are often called “universal” or “voucher” preschool, and they help children prepare for kindergarten and to develop the skills needed to be successful in school and life.
YMCA Early Learning Centers use The Creative Curriculum, an research-based curriculum that supports children’s social/emotional development and builds academic competence. Each classroom is led by an experienced and qualified instructor and assistant. Teachers design learning activities that encourage children to explore their interests, follow their curiosity, and build confidence in themselves. Learning experiences are integrated to support development in all domains, including social/emotional, language, adaptive behavior, cognitive, and physical.
In addition to serving children and families, YMCA Early Learning Centers are committed to enhancing the profession of early learning educators. To that end, we support the career advancement and professional growth of our instructors through the Paths to Quality program and the Keystone STARS quality rating system. We also offer trainings on topics related to child development, including topics such as healthy eating, preventing childhood obesity, and safe sleep practices. We also partner with COMPASS, an online tool that helps families find quality child care and early learning programs and helps them navigate the maze of government assistance to pay for those programs.
After School Care
High quality after school experiences provide school-age children and their families with opportunities to learn and develop outside the classroom, extending their learning and preparing them for success in school and life.
PEI’s after-school and summer child care programs are available at a variety of centres, including licensed community day cares, family home centres and unlicensed registered ministries. Find one that matches your needs using our child care registry.
PEI’s STARS quality rating system supports child care and early learning programs to provide quality experiences that help children grow and thrive. It is a system of levels, from meeting basic health and safety requirements at Level 1 to attaining national accreditation at Level 4. Learn more about STARS and search for child care programs that are rated STARS via our COMPASS website.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is a key point in the educational journey for young children. It is a time to learn social skills and how to learn, and to become aware of their uniqueness and value as individuals. It is also a time for them to begin their journey as readers, writers, and mathematicians. Quality early learning experiences can increase school readiness, narrow achievement gaps, and convey long-term benefits for children in the classroom and beyond.
High quality Kindergartens have staff who are well-trained in child development and have the appropriate qualifications. Teachers are paid a professional salary and have opportunities for career advancement. All staff communicate respect and warmth for families and children. They understand how to support the whole child and use a range of strategies to meet each child’s needs. Teachers work closely with families to develop individual learning plans and goals.
Children are placed in multi-age groups, which allow the teacher to get to know each child and harness their unique strengths to support their learning. This approach helps reduce behaviour problems and supports the development of social skills. It also allows the teacher to provide a variety of learning experiences and activities to meet the children’s interests, and ensure they are progressing as expected.
The curriculum is executed, presented and experienced as an integrated system. It is sensitive to diversity in culture and language, responsive to children with special needs, and provides opportunities for children to practice and generalize their skills across the day. Kindergartens are also aware of the need for flexible and adaptable instruction to respond to children’s diverse learning needs and interests (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009).
To be approved as an early learning service under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, 50% of educators working with preschool age and younger children must hold, or be actively working towards obtaining, an approved diploma level education and care qualification or higher. The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) determines which qualifications are approved. If your qualification does not appear on the approved list, you can apply to ACECQA to have it assessed as equivalent. Cache level 3 and Early learning centres