Pedagogy: Early Childhood (Birth to Grade 3) Subtest 2

Subarea II. Professional Roles and Responsibilities

0010

Understand how to communicate and interact effectively with all types of families to support and enhance young children's learning and well-being.

demonstrating knowledge of the importance of communicating with families on a regular basis and strategies for initiating and maintaining effective communication with families and eliciting their support in promoting young children's development and learning
applying knowledge of how to establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with families in support of young children's learning and physical and mental well-being (e.g., respecting families' choices and goals for their children, communicating with families about curriculum and their children's progress, promoting family involvement, showing sensitivity to differences in family structures and social and cultural backgrounds)
demonstrating knowledge of theories of families (e.g., family systems theory, ecological theory); dynamics, roles, and relationships within families and between families and communities; and how to use information gained by observing family dynamics and relationships to support young children's learning and well-being
applying knowledge of skills and strategies for consulting with families to link young children's environments and for addressing family concerns in given situations
applying knowledge of how to support families in assessing educational options and making decisions related to child development and parenting and how to link families with a range of family-oriented services based on identified resources, priorities, and concerns

0011

Understand how to communicate, collaborate, and interact effectively with colleagues and the community in support of young children's learning and well-being.

demonstrating knowledge of how to work effectively with paraprofessionals and volunteers in the early childhood classroom to ensure their effectiveness in helping promote young children's development and learning
applying knowledge of skills and strategies for consulting and collaborating with other professionals (e.g., counselors, classroom teachers, special education professionals, media specialists) to promote young children's development and learning
demonstrating knowledge of resources in the community (e.g., social service agencies, cultural institutions, businesses) and strategies for using these resources to meet young children's needs and promote their development and learning
demonstrating knowledge of how to use classroom observation, information about young children, and various types of research as sources for evaluating the outcomes of teaching and learning and as a basis for reflecting on and modifying teaching practice
demonstrating knowledge of methods for working effectively with others in the school community (e.g., colleagues, mentors, principals, supervisors) to strengthen teaching knowledge, skills, and effectiveness

0012

Understand the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of early childhood education; the rights and responsibilities of educators, young children, and parents/guardians; and legal and ethical guidelines for educators in Minnesota, including the pursuit of ongoing professional development to improve practice.

demonstrating knowledge of the development of the early childhood education profession, including multiple historical, philosophical, and social foundations, and how the foundations of the field influence current thought and practice
demonstrating knowledge of the effects of societal conditions on young children and families and current issues, trends, legislation, and other public policies affecting young children, their families, and early childhood education programs and practice
applying knowledge of educators' roles, rights, and responsibilities as professionals (e.g., obtaining and maintaining licensure, engaging in appropriate professional practices, addressing the needs of the whole learner, maintaining confidentiality, providing a free and appropriate education for young children with disabilities)
demonstrating knowledge of the rights of young children in various contexts (e.g., in relation to due process, discipline, privacy, free speech, equal educational opportunity)
applying knowledge of the standards of professional conduct in the Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers
demonstrating knowledge of professional development opportunities and resources (e.g., professional journals, educational research, online resources, workshops) and how to use them to promote reflection, solve problems, and support professional growth, including continuous development of technology skills relevant to education
demonstrating knowledge of continuous professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility and the role of various strategies (e.g., reflection and self-assessment, critical thinking, problem solving, self-directed learning) in improving teaching practice and achieving professional goals

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