Oakton's early childhood education program prepares students to teach at the early childhood level. Before enrolling in the program, students should understand the most fundamental skills necessary for their work with young children.

Physical Skills

• Physical ability to move from a sitting position to a standing position quickly; manage periods of walking, standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, or crawling; lift/move young children easily; reach an endangered or injured child swiftly.
• Visual ability to observe children and consistently scan the physical environment.
• Auditory ability to hear activity, interactions, and environmental sounds.

Cognitive Skills

• Apply developmental theory and curriculum to daily classroom interactions, activities, planning, and assessment.
• Utilize organizational and time management skills to execute multiple tasks on a daily basis.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication.

Emotional / Psychological Skills

• Demonstrate interpersonal expertise for effective interactions with children, families, co-workers, and program visitors.
• Implement guidance and supervision from supervisors.
• Exhibit emotional maturity and professionalism in interactions and communication with children, families, co-workers, and program visitors.

Additional Skills and Qualities Necessary for Success in the Field
• command of developmental theory and early childhood curriculum
• ability to apply developmental theory to practice
• professional attitude toward work
• disposition for working with young children
• well developed interpersonal skills
• ability to work effectively as a team member
• strong written and oral communication skills
• ability to assess children’s development
• ability to analyze, interpret, plan and evaluate activities
• physical ability to lift and care for children
• physical ability to observe children
• strong ethical approach to working with children and families
• positive, mature approach to work
• understanding of culturally relevant, anti-bias teaching practices
• flexibility, adaptability, energy and humor