Throughout my practicum, I learned a great deal about what an Early Childhood Educator is responsible for both throughout the day and during their own planning time. I observed how ECEs work together to ensure the day flows smoothly, supporting both their own well-being and the well-being of the children. It is essential to work as a team, communicate openly, and check in with one another. Talking with co-educators about how they are feeling, how the day is going with the children, and what support they may need helps build trust and strengthens the flow of the day. We also discussed signals we could use to quietly communicate when someone needs help, ensuring that children’s needs are met calmly and safely.

At the Child Development Centre in Kamloops, I saw firsthand what ECEs do each day. The daily routine generally followed this structure:

  1. Morning arrival – children begin their day with free play.
  2. Morning snack.
  3. Book area while snack cleanup finishes.
  4. Outdoor play in the backyard or going for a walk.
  5. Indoor circle time.
  6. Lunch.
  7. Calming our bodies / nap time.
  8. Busy bin activities for children who wake early or do not nap.
  9. Wake-up/free play.
  10. Inside free play or outside time, depending on the day.

During quiet/nap time, educators complete important cleaning and preparation tasks such as sanitizing the bathroom, washing dishes, wiping surfaces, and organizing materials. After inside free play, ECEs clean and reset the environment by vacuuming, mopping, wiping tables, and doing laundry as needed. At the end of the day, the centre is sanitized with a bleach solution to ensure a clean and safe space for the next morning.

I also learned the importance of ongoing documentation. Recording observations of each child helps educators understand their development, plan meaningful experiences, and share learning with families. Staying connected with parents is another vital part of the role. Creating a warm, welcoming environment where parents feel comfortable builds strong relationships and supports the child’s sense of belonging.

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