THE COMMITMENT OF EARLY YEARS EDUCATORS BY JANET HARVELL SENIOR LECTURER IN CENTRE FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES , INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND COURSE LEADER - FDA EARLY YEARS FLEXIBLE AND DISTRIBUTED LEARNING- UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER.
My journey as an early years professional/educator/teacher began 25 years ago when I had my own children and became involved in the preschool movement. It was at this time that the international community was beginning to recognise the importance of the early years and the value of providing quality care and education for the very youngest of our citizens. In the UK this heralded new qualifications, including degree programmes. Now, as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester, I have been, and still am, privileged to work with colleagues and students who are motivated and passionate about working with children, developing their skill base and advancing their own continuing professional development. They have a secure knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop, and are committed to improving children’s outcomes and fostering an excitement of learning in them. Historically, early years workers have been under-valued and poorly paid, seen more as someone who is there to keep children safe and provide for physical needs. Instead this is a role that requires staff to have a secure knowledge and understanding of how child learn and develop, and use this effectively to provide a safe, caring, stimulating, exciting and nurturing environment.