Develop Schedules and Enforce Routines
Young children need to follow a strict schedule that includes daily routines, such as going to the restroom, washing hands, eating lunch and snack, and participating in reading, math, science and music activities. Daily routines and activities keep the children occupied and productive and help them learn to function in a structured environment. In addition, an early-childhood teacher must develop a schedule that also allows for rest time and unstructured outside play.
Maintain a Safe and Comfortable Environment
An early-childhood teacher inspects the children's environment to ensure the safety of equipment and materials. She removes or repairs any items that pose a threat to the children. She also fosters a safe and comfortable environment through clear, positive and encouraging words and actions to help the children feel comfortable and confident within their surroundings.
Related Reading: Jobs With an Early Childhood Degree
Provide Age-Appropriate Supervision and Discipline
Diligently supervising students in the classroom, during snacks and lunch, on the playground and during field trips, is another duty of an early-childhood teacher. If she needs to leave -- even momentarily -- she must find another responsible employee to watch the children. When children misbehave or otherwise break the rules, she disciplines the children in a firm but fair way. The teacher never resorts to any form of physical, verbal or emotional abuse as a method of discipline.
Plan and Implement Lessons
An early-childhood teacher recognizes that the 3- to 5-year-old child's learning occurs through both play and structured experiences that help develop the children's language, motor and social skills. She plans lessons that allow for teacher-initiated and child-initiated exploration. The teacher works with groups of children or one-on-one, depending on the type of lesson and the learners' needs.
Observe and Communicate
Observing the children's behavior and making notes is important so an early-childhood teacher can assess the progress of her students' development. She communicates her observations to the children's parents at regular intervals. If she becomes concerned about a child, she communicates with the parent immediately.
Address Cultural or Special Needs
Early-childhood teachers must strive to address cultural or special needs -- emotional, physical or educational -- of the children they teach. For example, if a child has a food allergy, the teacher must be aware of the content of the food the child is offered or is eating. Additionally, if a child belongs to a culture or religion that doesn't allow her to celebrate certain holidays, the teacher must respect the child's background and arrange for an alternative activity for the child.