HALLMARKS OF AN EFFECTIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
INTRODUCTION Truly effective early childhood educators are characterized by good communication skills and an understanding of child development, as well as plasticity in terms of their teaching approaches to meet different needs. Empathetic and patient, they create a safe environment, but creativity sparks engaging learning experiences. As they collaborate with families, they have keen observation skills to help each child grow and thrive. The early childhood educator has an epic role and multifaceted contribution in the realm of early childhood education. Parents and teachers often ask what a competent early childhood educator would look like. Thus, this paper discusses the necessary hallmarks that are developed toward effective teaching and nurturing in early childhood settings to help lay down foundations for future learning of children. DESIRE TO TEACH AND LEARN Every good early childhood teacher possesses a deep passion for teaching and learning. This passion manifests in the foll...