Technology is an essential aspect of teaching and learning, and the integration of technology into early childhood education classrooms is reshaping childcare. And while many of today’s early childhood teachers are comfortable with technology, many are nervous to learn something new or do things differently.
That’s where teacher training can help. Let’s take a look at why your childcare center’s teachers must be trained to take advantage of education technology!
Enhancing communication with parents
The average smartphone owner uses 10 apps per day and 30 apps each month, according to the app company Builtfire. That number is even higher for millennials, the largest group of today’s parents. Almost a quarter of this age group open an app more than 50 times a day!
These parents expect real-time updates about what their child is doing in your daycare. Your teachers must be trained to send photos, videos, and notes throughout the day to keep families happy. Choose an app with family engagement capabilities that is easy to use and part of an all-in-one childcare software solution. Then sharing updates won’t require much training so your teachers can spend their time learning about other ways to use technology.
Plus, this transparency creates a supportive learning environment!
Access to a wealth of resources
If your teachers are not trained to use education technology, they will miss out on access to educational content from around the world and children will not reap the benefits either.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found there is “emerging evidence to suggest that interactive apps may be useful and accessible tools for supporting early academic development.” Your teachers must be trained to take advantage of these apps, while understanding that screen time must be limited.
Online libraries, databases, and educational websites provide information on virtually any topic, allowing teachers to supplement their curriculum with up-to-date materials. This accessibility ensures that both teachers and young learners can expand their knowledge beyond traditional textbooks.
Education technology saves time
The 2024 Child Care Management Software Industry Trends Report from Procare Solutions found that about 30% of survey respondents said each teacher spends between three and five hours a week doing lesson planning, and a similar percentage noted their centers create their own curriculum.
So, beyond direct instruction, technology can significantly reduce the time teachers spend on these types of tasks, and on assessments and other paperwork. Childcare management software can streamline time-intensive processes, giving teachers more time to focus on what truly matters — the children in their care.
A strong digital curriculum that’s easy to use supports your teachers by handling lesson planning that takes time away from children. When childcare centers equip teachers with state-of-the-art online curriculum at their fingertips, teachers and young learners reap the benefits of education technology.
How to encourage your teachers to embrace education technology
To maximize the benefits of technology, ongoing professional development is essential. Employee retention rates rise by 30-50% when companies prioritize staff learning!
Workshops, webinars and websites that offer professional development and credentials can help teachers stay abreast of the latest technological advancements.
By investing in continuous training, your childcare center can ensure that teachers are confident and competent in integrating technology into their classrooms.
To learn more, visit www.procaresolutions.com
