This manual was made possible by a grant from The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The Arizona Early Childhood Education Association is grateful for their generous support.

 

Authors and Contributors:

  • Diane McCormack Nunez M.ED, MCC Education Consulting LLC
  • Sharon “Ronnie” Armstrong, Strategic Training Solutions
  • Bruce Liggett, ACCA Executive Director
  • Barbie Prinster, ACCA Projects Manager
  • Cover and Editing: Carol Webb, Bella Media Management

ACCA Acknowledgement Page

Authors and Contributors include: Diane McCormack Nunez M.ED, MCC Educational Consulting LLC, Sharon “Ronnie” Armstrong, Strategic Training Solutions, Bruce Liggett, ACCA Executive Director, Barbie Prinster, ACCA Projects Manager

How to Use the Orientation Manual

The Employee Orientation Manual was developed to provide standardized material that is accurate and current, in a usable format that meets the immediate and ongoing needs of employers and employees in private child care centers.

Introduction Letter

This manual has been improved, expanded, and updated with current information and new resources. The manual was developed to provide standard, accurate, and up-to-date information.

Module 1

1A: State Agency Support & Regulation

This module will provide an overview of the state agencies that are involved with early learning and child care centers in Arizona.

1B: The Early Childhood Profession

This section will review the qualifications for working with children as outlined in the Child Care Regulations.

1C: Child Supervision & Mandated Reporting

This section will look at the reasons for the regulation of early care and education programs.

Module 2

2A: Safety

In this section you will learn about basic safety procedures that apply to Arizona child care centers.

2B: Healthy Practices

In this section you will learn some of the basic procedures of cleanliness and infection control for keeping children and yourself healthy.

2C: Nutrition

In this section you will learn about implementing best nutrition practices for an early learning program including infant feeding and family style meal service for toddlers, preschool, and school-age children.

Module 3

3A: Theories of Child Development & Appropriate Practice

In this section we will begin by exploring some basics principles of child development and learning about five theories that influence the field of early care and education programs.

3B: Ages & Stages – Birth through 12

The Ages and Stages section will provide you with an overview of specific skills, abilities, characteristics, and traits associated with growth of children between birth and 12 years of age.

3C: Brain Research & the Developing Child

This section provides a glimpse of brain research and how you can apply the information in your work with young children.

Module 4

4A: Classroom Learning Environment

This section will provide you with basic information on developing a challenging and fun classroom environment for young children that will support growth in all the developmental domains.

4B: Daily Schedule & Lesson Planning

In this section you will learn basic information about planning for an early care and education classroom.

4C: Teaching Strategies & Diversity

This section will address the concepts of intentionally teaching, multi-cultural/diverse learning environments and working with children that have special needs.

Module 5

5A: Factors & Influences that Affect Children’s Behavior

In this section you will learn how hereditary and environmental factors impact children’s behavior.

5B: Communication & Interactions with Children

In this section you will learn methods of communicating and interacting with young children that influence social/emotional development and behavior.

5B: Handout

5C: Direct & Indirect Guidance Techniques

This section will provide basic guidance techniques to prevent inappropriate behaviors and correct misbehavior.

Module 6

6A: Parent & Teacher Communication

In this section you will learn the basics about communicating with parents.

6B: Communication & Professionalism

In this section you will learn how basic communication strategies may assist you in developing positive work relationships.

The Future of Child Care & Early Education Workforce

As an employee in early care and education it is important to recognize the importance of your job, the evolution of our field, the changes that are expected, the expectations for the workforce, and the opportunities to further develop as a professional.