AboutCindy Caporaso Expertise I can answer questions in various areas of child development including ages and stages, how to foster growth in the development of young children, what to look for in early childhood centers and in early childhood providers. and ways to stimulate a child`s natural curiosity.
Experience I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. I hold a B.A. degree in Education and a Master of Education in Human Development. I alsop provide training to early childhood educators rlating to their work. Currently, I am teaching a Child Development Associate course at my school. I am also the kindergarten teacher. In the past, I have been the lead teacher for children from infancy through school-age.
Organizations NAEYC
Education/Credentials B.A. degree in Education 1980
M.Ed degree in Human Development/Counseling 1986
Expert: Cindy Caporaso Date: 4/15/2008 Subject: early childhood care center
Question I'm looking for resources to help a child care center provide for it's families, the best possible equipment and materials for growth and development...and aid teachers in understanding how a DAP classroom operates. I've been away from teaching for too long and my personal collection of books etc have been passed along...my words are rusty - but with help, I'm sure I can wake up some of my long held values about what young children need and guide them to a new standard. Thank you so much for the help!
Answer Hi Linda,
What a great question and how wonderful you are open to all of the new changes in ECE! Great!
I am a big supporter and fan of the Creative Curriculum. I ma well versed in this very comprehensive yet not "pre-packaged" curriculum. It approaches child development in a continuous fashion and I have never seen anything more relevant and more appropriate for young children.
Please take time to go to www.teachingstrategies.com There are many wonderful materials but I would suggest first that you purchase "The Creative Curriculum for Infants/Toddlers" and "The Creative Curriculum for Preschool." Both are wonderful. I can't say enough about them but I get really excited with this organization and approach.
Linda, there are some troubling trends in our field. For some reason, ECE teachers and administrators seem to feel that they have to "keep up" with the pushed down curriculum that is taking place in the public schools. For example, Your typical kindergarten class is really a disguised first grade. As a result, you can walk into preschool and pre-kindergarten classes and see children working on worksheets. Please, stay away from this. Make your school and class relevant to the children and where they are. Worksheets have no place in ECE. Academic learning comes from many sources..one of which are the centers. the books fully explain this.
Hope this helps...good luck and write back. I would love to hear what you decided..even if you go with another program.
