Coaching is a form of support offered for Head Start and Early Head Start Lead Teachers and Family Educators to increase their Teaching Practices regarding Social Emotional Development. Teachers and Family Educators are qualified individuals through education and experience; however, coaching is a form of Professional Development to continue their growth when working with children and families by helping build the bridge between ‘knowledge’ and ‘application’.
Regarding the Social Emotional Domain, these skills are what lay the foundation for each child’s life now and in the future. In the infant through preschool years of life, the brain is developing at a rapid pace and forming the synapsis that will be connected for the children throughout life. Some skills include: Recognizing and dealing with emotions, understanding other’s emotions and how to handle them, problem solving skills and learning how to come up with solutions, friendship skills with learning how to be a friend and get along, behavior expectations and the reasons behind the rules and how to follow directions.
Depending on the age and developmental level determines how the teachers will work with the children to gain this knowledge and learn to apply the skills in their daily lives and routines. Individualization is important in Early Childhood.
Coaching hones in on specific areas a Teacher or Family Educator could progress in and through gaining or enhancing a specific Teaching Practice, the children and families benefit, as well.