Office of Service-Learning

Cultural Competence Fact Sheet

Working with Young Children*

(preschool ages 3-5)

Please remember that these guidelines are just that – they are not set in stone RULES and if you have questions about specific situations, you should always ask your site supervisor or another staff member at your site. However, we hope that these guidelines will assist you in addressing the specific needs of the people with whom you work in a culturally appropriate way.

  1. State suggestions or directions in a positive manner. It is better to say, “Sit on the chair,” rather than, “Don’t sit on the table.”
  2. Use a manner and tone of voice that reflects your confidence in your ability to guide the situation, but which helps the children feel confident and reassured, rather than threatened. Speak directly to the child at his/her eye level. Your voice is a teaching tool.
  3. Give a child a choice ONLY when you intend to leave the choice up to him/her. “It is time to go to the toilet,” instead of, “Would you like…?” or “Put your materials away, OK?”
  4. Never depend upon changing behavior with words that make the child feel less respect for him/herself – blaming or shaming her/him or labeling her/him bad. A child may be helped to feel responsible without suffering an excess of guilt.
  5. Avoid making comparisons between one child and another or encouraging competitive feelings.
  6. Redirect the child from undesirable behavior in a way that is related to his/her motives or interests whenever possible.
  7. Help children understand WHY you are asking something of them by explaining the reason. Much so-called misbehavior is due to limited experience and judgment (and is actually age-appropriate behavior).
  8. Avoid making models in any creative medium for the children to copy. Art for the child should be SELF-expression. Display an interest in the child’s work, but do not ask what they have made. We are interested in the PROCESS, NOT THE PRODUCT. If a child wants to talk about his/her creative work, ask him/her to tell you about it. When a child has finished painting, etc., write his/her name on the paper. Do not encourage him/her to make things to take home. His/her art work is for his/her own self-expression, not for pleasing mother.
  9. Give the child the minimum of help, so that she/he may have the maximum to grow in independence, but give the help the child needs before frustration sets in.
  10. Make your suggestions effective by reinforcing them when necessary.
  11. Learn to ANTICIPATE and PREVENT, rather than mop-up after difficulty. “Heading them off at the pass” is the most effective way of handling problems. Be alert to all possible hazards to health and safety. Be alert to the total situation. If in doubt, stop questionable behavior and check with staff later.
  12. Teachers should distribute themselves throughout the playroom and play yard, rather than grouping together. Your attention should be on the children, observing them, ready to step in when guidance is needed. Children are often different in the roles they assume outdoors. This is an observation time for adults.
  13. Observe professional ethics. It is important that your discussions go no further than the class. An ethical teacher will not refer to the children by name outside of the school or facility.
  14. Never discuss children in front of them. Save questions for a staff meeting and/or parent conference. Refer problems that you cannot handle to the site leader as discreetly as possible, but try to handle as much as possible yourself.
  15. Be sure you are comfortably dressed and ready for action. At the same time, remember that you are a role model and should be dressed neatly.
  16. Encourage children to wipe up spills as they happen. Be sure that smocks are worn for all “messy” activities, such as finger painting, water play, easel painting, etc. Do not build an issue about the smocks – quietly remind them and help them put the smock on.
  17. Give warnings before cleanup time so children will know they have to finish whatever they’re doing. Adults can put away things that are not in use before cleanup time. Adults help during cleanup, but the children should be encouraged to clean up after themselves. They should also put away toys, equipment, etc., as they finish with them.
  18. Interference of children by adults should be kept to a minimum. You are there to guide and supervise. However, in situations involving health and safety (i.e., block throwing, destruction of property or the work of other children), DO NOT hesitate to step in firmly and say, “NO.”
  19. Be sure that children use the toilet before washing hands. When they are using the bathroom, do not rush them – give them a reasonable amount of time.
  20. Treat materials with respect. Children are great imitators. Your handling of materials and equipment will teach them far more than what you say.
  21. Do not laugh at children or display emotions at their activities. It is very easy for children to become self-conscious. At all times, avoid anything that will detract from the child’s concentration and interest in play. PLAY IS CHILDREN’S WORK.

*(Source: Free to Be Child Care Center Employee Handbook, 2007-2008)

Reporting Child Abuse in New Jersey

  1. The law says that any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or acts of child abuse shall report this information immediately to the Division of Children & Families (DCF).
  2. To report abuse in institutions, such as childcare centers, schools, and residential treatment centers, call 1-800-215-6853.
  3. You may call a toll-free 24-hour, 7-day hotline, 1-800-792-8610, to report child abuse and neglect.
  4. Reports may be made anonymously.
  5. Any person who, according to the law, reports abuse or neglect or testifies in a child abuse hearing resulting from such a report is immune from any criminal or civil liability as a result of such action.
  6. Any person who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect according to the law or to comply with the provisions of the law is a disorderly person and subject to a fine up to $1,000 or up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

(Source: N.J. Department of Human Services, as reported in Free to Be Child Care Center Employee Handbook, 2007-2008)

Updated 7/28/08