The Perf-ECT Certificate System
Performances for Early Childhood Teachers
Creating Opportunities for Learning
Introduction to Credential C
Awards for this credential build the curriculum components of child-responsive learning environments where free play allows children to create their own play and group times elicit and use children’s initiative and creativity. The specifics of the curriculum components apply to environments for groups of children between the ages of 3 and 5. (Requirements for earning awards for children of other ages are not addressed here.)
The philosophical framework for this credential incorporates the best practices that many models of what is often referred to as “play-based,” “learner-centered,” or “child-responsive” early childhood education. Following this guide teachers can discover, inquire, and reflect upon what works best for children. Rather than advocate a particular approach, the awards define curriculum practices based upon providing activities and building classroom learning centers that are energized by child initiative, a common feature of High/Scope, Bank Street, The Creative Curriculum, and constructivist models. The tasks performed by candidates to earn these awards are intended lead teachers to investigate and provide the broad range of quality activities that meet the needs and circumstances of the local school without conflicting with most early childhood models or theoretical approaches. We are all on the path of finding what we most want for children, and the exact ways to do that vary from program to program.
The Possibility of These Awards
- These ten challenges energize teachers to be learners themselves, exploring in new directions to incorporate multiple facets of children’s experience into their programs.
- These activities will establish a coordinated framework for planning and implementing child-responsive environments that reach all areas of children’s development.
- Teachers will be able express clearly to others the structure and values that underlie what to a casual observer seems merely children at play; they will have a deep and durable understanding of the essentials of learning and curriculum for children ages 3 to 5.
Credential C Selections
Activities Awards (Choose 3)
C1: Exploration Activities—combinations to explore, combine, and invent
C2: Step-chart Activities—demonstrating the steps to make a predetermined product
C3: Expressive Art Activities—personal expression in painting, drawing
C4: Workstations—cognitive free play in design, problem solving, and math
Learning Center Awards (Choose 3)
C5: Construction Center—block building
C6: Drama Area—spaces for drama, personal power, and representing experience
C7: Cleaning Center—supplies and materials for maintaining a clean room
C8: Book Center—to read and be read to, conversation and relaxation
C9: Message Center—a place for writing and illustrating stories
C10: Science Center—a portion of the natural world on display
C11: Parent Center—a place for parent comfort, information, and collegiality
C12: Making Center—using tools to create with paper and related constructions
C13: Provocation Center—an aesthetic place of encounter
Outdoor Area Awards (Choose 1)
C14: Free Play Challenges—challenges for physical development
C15: Group Games—teachers lead children in challenging fun
Group Times Awards (Choose 2)
C16: Songs and Games Children Can Change—basics of group time fun
C17: Creative Dance—expressive movement in the classroom
C18: Reading Books—children’s literature to enrich children’s lives
C19: Oral Stories—the joy of story and the power of myth
Positive Management Awards (Choose 1)
C20: Clear Expectations and Responsibilities—conveying limits that teach
C21: Active Listening—responding to children’s deep emotion
C22: Alternatives for Consequences—managing difficult problems