Everyday Interactions Matter

+ Part 1: Noticing The Simple and Ordinary

Description

The primary ingredient of quality in early learning settings begins with the “everyday interactions” between educators and children. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during play, transition, and daily routines form the very foundation of learning and growth.

Within this module, early learning professionals will engage with the Everyday Interactions Matter approach through a process of careful observation, discussion, and self-reflection. Through this reflective process, educators can recognize powerful moments of connecting, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday interactions with young children.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, professionals will be able to:

• Recognize elements of a positive interaction and their impact on child development.
• Identify moments of connecting, caring, growing, and belonging during everyday moments in authentic early childhood education settings.

Core Knowledge Competencies

K1.1 C1 Describe how child development depends on supportive and reciprocal relationships with families, caregivers, peers, and other community members.

+ Part 2: Learning About Our Own Practice

Description

In this session, early learning professionals will observe video footage of their own practice with young children in the context of their work environment. These video clips of authentic, everyday interactions provide a mirror to reflect back educators’ unique strengths in being with children. By sharing with colleagues and listening to the observations of peers, participants can learn, grow, and acknowledge the power of their own practice as educators of young children.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, professionals will be able to:

• Engage in self-reflection and supportive sharing inspired by video footage of everyday interactions with children.
• Identify elements of a positive interaction in authentic video footage and describe the impact these interactions have on children.

Core Knowledge Competencies

K1.1 C2 Illustrate for families, caregivers, peers, and other community members the impact their reciprocal relationships have on a child's development.

+ Part 3: Growing Our Practice In Peer Communities

Description

In this session, early learning professionals will have the opportunity to pre-record video snapshots of their own interactions with children. Contributors will present a short video to the group and share the rich backstory behind the clip.

Through strengths-based sharing and observation, educators will discuss the relational elements at work in the everyday moments of their days with children. This process invites participants to affirm their professional practice as early childhood educators and strengthen their connections and professional growth within their community of practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, professionals will be able to:

• Reflect upon and share about their own interactions with children and develop strategies with peers.
• Examine how adult-child interactions in their early childhood education setting contribute to positive child development and community growth.

Core Knowledge Competencies

K1.1 C3 Examine how classroom practices support child development through positive interactions with families, caregivers, peers, and other community members to further develop reciprocal relationships.

+ Part 4: A Deeper Dive Into Our Practice As Reflective Educators

Description

In this session, early learning professionals will engage in reflective exercises that promote professional self-awareness and community building. Authentic video clips of educators and children will serve as raw material for deepening participants’ observational skills and their practice of self-reflection. Through these reflective exercises, educators will evaluate the impact that their everyday interactions have on child development and the overall quality of programming in their learning community.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, professionals will be able to:

• Discuss and evaluate how everyday interactions with children can impact the quality of an early learning environment.
• Identify and apply professional reflective strategies focused on self-awareness and relationship-based caregiving.

Core Knowledge Competencies

K1.1 C3 Examine how classroom practices support child development through positive interactions with families, caregivers, peers, and other community members to further develop reciprocal relationships.