Get familiar with the model for full-day kindergarten
Posted 08-21-2015 at 06:54 AM by DavidRaonic
In 2014, the government of Ontario completed its five year implementation of full-day kindergarten (FDK) for all four and five-year-olds. Whereas other classrooms generally have one professional leading the class – a teacher – FDK classrooms are staffed with a teaching team of two professionals – one teacher and one registered early childhood educator (RECE).
This model was chosen because of the complementary skills brought to the classroom by each professional. Together, the FDK teaching team is expected to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment to support the needs of each child in the classroom.
While many parents are familiar with the education and skills of teachers, some don't know about the professional skills, knowledge and training of RECEs, so here's an overview:
• Becoming an early childhood educator in Ontario is a comprehensive process requiring at least two years of education and training in early child development.
• RECEs work to assess children's developmental needs in a variety of domains, and then design programs catering to the child's specific needs.
• These individuals are required to complete training programs and adhere to professional standards set out by the College of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario's self-regulatory body for RECEs.
• Every educator is held accountable for their actions through the College's complaints and discipline process.
In short, RECEs, like teachers, are accountable professionals who are well-trained and subject to relevant ongoing training and education. Parents can rest assured that when an RECE is present, their child is receiving the care of a specialist who abides by a code of ethics and standards and prioritizes their child's well-being.
This model was chosen because of the complementary skills brought to the classroom by each professional. Together, the FDK teaching team is expected to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment to support the needs of each child in the classroom.
While many parents are familiar with the education and skills of teachers, some don't know about the professional skills, knowledge and training of RECEs, so here's an overview:
• Becoming an early childhood educator in Ontario is a comprehensive process requiring at least two years of education and training in early child development.
• RECEs work to assess children's developmental needs in a variety of domains, and then design programs catering to the child's specific needs.
• These individuals are required to complete training programs and adhere to professional standards set out by the College of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario's self-regulatory body for RECEs.
• Every educator is held accountable for their actions through the College's complaints and discipline process.
In short, RECEs, like teachers, are accountable professionals who are well-trained and subject to relevant ongoing training and education. Parents can rest assured that when an RECE is present, their child is receiving the care of a specialist who abides by a code of ethics and standards and prioritizes their child's well-being.
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