Being an effective teacher of young children is a wonderful way to affect the lives of children, but there are thousands of children in our country and around the world who are hungry, homeless, unhealthy, or have been harshly treated. Children are unable to defend themselves, so we must take it upon ourselves to act in their behalf. This is part of the mission of becoming an effective early childhood educator.

Playing is not a waste of time! A child who is creatively playing (for example, in dramatic role-playing with other children) can develop the ability to momentarily control his or her emotions and behavior — the sole focus is on the dramatic role.