How Has Early Childhood Education Changed Over the Years?.

During our childhoods we learn the fundamentals of life, obtaining skills and knowledge that set us up for our personal, academic, and professional futures. Early years education is a crucial part of our timeline, and in the UK it is a government-funded construct that has gone through many changes since its inception. 

Early years educator jobs are in high demand and help to make up the fabric of our country’s public sector. If you are considering a future as a teacher of children aged 5 and younger, then you should undertake an early years education course. Through online learning, you can gain an accredited qualification that can lead you towards degree-level study. 

To thrive in early years educator jobs, it is important to know the history of the sector in the UK. Continue reading to learn more about this industry, and how you can be part of it. 

What is Early Years Education? 

Children aged 3, 4 and 5 years old undergo early years education as part of their development. Every child aged between 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 hours of free early years education for 38 weeks of the year. This type of education can be taught in various settings, such as day nurseries, nursery schools, pre-schools, and childminding. 

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) refers to the framework of care and learning for children from birth to age 5. At this stage of a child’s life, they will not learn through academic teaching but from play, games, and various activities. 

There are seven areas of learning and development that children need to explore during these pivotal years, and there are many early years educator jobs that facilitate this. If you are pursuing a career in this sector, then before undertaking an early years educator course, you should be aware of the seven areas, which include: 

• Communication and Language 
• Physical Development 
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development 
• Literacy 
• Mathematics 
• Understanding the World 
• Expressive Arts and Design 

As mentioned, children at this stage of their lives learn through actions and visual cues. So, through various games and activities, you can help them to develop in the areas listed above. By studying an early years education course, you will learn the skills and techniques you need to progress towards a career in this sector. 

A Brief History of Early Years Education 

In 1923, The Nursery School Association was established in the UK, and it later became The British Association for Early Childhood Education, more commonly known as Early Education. The purpose was to introduce nursery education into specialist schools, with the national body’s first president being Margaret McMillan. 

As opposed to taking a whole-school approach, early years education focuses on children as individuals, ensuring that their specific needs are cared for and tailored to. For older children and young people, they gain academic knowledge by learning from a curriculum that all students need to follow. Early years differs in the sense that the approach is based on individual needs rather than the classroom as a whole. This revolutionary approach has helped to shape the framework that we all know today. 

Since its inception, early years education has had to adapt to the way in which the world has changed. An interesting point is the development of the digital sphere, and how this impacts early years education. There is an argument that children should not be transfixed to digital devices as part of their learning journey, but the use of technology can be beneficial to those working in early years educator jobs. 

The Importance of Early Years Educator Jobs 

All professionals within the early years sector provide a pivotal and significant role in the development of children from birth to the age of 5. If you want to pursue a career in this sector, then it is important to be aware of the roles and responsibilities involved. Indeed, there are different roles within the industry, but in general, you will likely have to do the following: 

• Plan and supervise activities  
• Support children through learning language and numeracy skills 
• Carry out daily duties, such as feeding and changing nappies 
• Observe the child or children in your care 
• Work closely with parents, guardians, and other professionals 
• How Can You Get into the Teaching Industry? 

There are various avenues available to you when it comes to teaching early years education, but you will need a degree to achieve Early Years Professional Status. Prior to this stage of your career path, you can undertake an early years educator Level 3 online course with Stonebridge Associated Colleges, one of the UK’s leading learning distance providers. 

By undertaking an early years education course, you will gain a foundational knowledge that will propel you towards your career ambitions. Below, we have outlined the online courses available and an overview of what will be covered. 

Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) 

Accredited by the National Awarding Organisation (NCFE) and the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education (CACHE), this course will provide you with essential knowledge about how to enhance a child’s development. The units are: 

• Introduction to the role of the early years educator
• Holistic child development
• Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Effective communication in an early years setting
• Safeguarding and welfare requirements
• Health, wellbeing and safety
• Promoting an effective early years curriculum
• Assessment of children’s learning and development
• Understanding play for holistic development and learning
• Partnership working

If you are interested in working as a nursery practitioner, pre-school child carer, or a childminder, then undertaking this early years education course is hugely beneficial. With the course being taught online, you could potentially complete all of your end-of-unit assignments within a matter of weeks.  

Please note that you will be required to complete a minimum of 300 hours on placement at an early years nursery or other educational setting. If your placement is at a school that teaches children of all the ages, then you can complete your required hours at the same institution. If not, you will need to arrange multiple placements to fulfil the criteria. 

Diploma in Playwork CACHE Level 3 (RQF) (NVQ) 

For children under the age of 5 to soak up various learning techniques and knowledge, they tend to learn through games and play. If you already work with children or are hoping to embark on a role within education, then by learning the principles of playwork and self-directed play, you will be able to perform a pivotal task. 

• Throughout this early years education course, you will delve into the following units: 
• Understand Playwork Principles 
• Understand Children and Young People’s Self-Directed Play 
• Understand How to Safeguard the Well-Being of Children and Young People 
• Understand the Organisational Framework for Play 
• Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People 
• Understand Relationships in the Play Environment 
• Understand Health, Safety and Security in the Play Environment 

After completing the above units, you will progress to the following: 

• Understand How to Plan for and Support Children and Young People’s Self-Directed Play 
• Engage in Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings 
• Contribute to an Organisational Framework that Reflects the Needs and Protects the Rights of Children and Young People 
• Develop and Maintain a Healthy, Safe and Secure Play Environment for Children and Young People 
• Develop and Promote Positive Relationships in the Play Environment 
• Plan for and Support Children and Young People’s Self-Direct Play 
• Work with Colleagues in a Playwork Team 
• Engage with Parents, Carers and Families in a Play Environment 

Your early years education course will be assessed through a number of end-of-unit assignments and a placement, which will be observed and assessed by your tutor. Suitable settings for your placement include Children’s Centres, Afterschool Clubs, Holiday Play Clubs, and similar settings. 

Benefits of Online Study 

By studying with Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you have the benefit of undertaking an early years education course online. Unlike traditional classroom study, you can tailor your learning schedule to fit around your existing requirements. So, if you work full-time or have children to look after, you won’t have to neglect these priorities. 

As well as this level of freedom, you can also enjoy the following: 

• Flexible learning – You can study at a time that suits you  
• Study anywhere – No matter where you are, if you have a computer/laptop and a stable internet connection, you will be able to study 
• Unlimited access – Once you have enrolled on one of our early years educator courses, you will be given 24/7 access to all of your learning materials online 
• Tutor support – Throughout your course, you will be able to get guidance from your personal tutor 
• Innovative platform – You will be able to access everything you need all in one place 

Enrol Today! 

To take your first steps towards securing an early years educator job, enrol on one of our accredited courses! You can find out more information from one of our Career Advisors by calling 0121 392 8288 or by contacting our support centre.