Welcome What you say and do matters. What you say and do with adults and children matters. Children learn with and from the important adults in their lives. That’s YOU! Regardless of your role, you bring learning to life for young children — in your own special way. There are so many ways in which your uniqueness matters for children. Your smile, sense of humor, the unique sound of your voice, the interests you share with children, and how you see your role in their education and care all influence how children experience you and the learning process.
How you are is as important as what you say and do. Whatever your role in the lives of children, how you are matters. Children learn about the world through their experiences and interactions with you. How you choose to show up — your actions and words — models for children how to be in the world. You consistently send messages that shape how they see themselves, others, and learning. Notice how these adults are showing up as models for children: •
Pamela smiles at her 2-year-old son as she helps him get dressed.
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Liam, a teacher of 5-year-olds, throws his head back laughing at a joke Miguel tells the class.
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Lizette, a home-based caregiver and educator, speaks in a soft, soothing voice with 7-month-old Kathy as she changes her diaper.
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3-year-old Jonathan drops his milk onto the floor. Philip, the school’s custodian, kneels down beside him and says, “Jonathan it’s ok. Accidents happen. Together, we can clean it up.”
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Suzannah, a city council member, adds “Recently we were asked to vote on an ordinance to build a new park. Before voting, I did research to find out how community parks benefit young children.”
WYOMING’S COHERENT PATH TO QUALITY Welcome
THINK ABOUT THE ROLE(S) YOU PLAY IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN. What is one example of how you choose to show up with and for them?
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