|
There are many methods to improve and enhance a learning environment. A child consultant is a full range consultancy that can provide a broad spectrum of specialized services to achieve the ideal environment for learning. Consultants provide on-site consultations, seminars and program development to improve the performance of educational institutions. How a Child Consultant Benefits the Learning Environment A consultancy service works toward improving the learning environment through their on-site observations. A specialist will visit the program and observe the way that adults and children interact with each other and with the learning materials within the environment. The experts will be able to offer advice on the organization of the environment and materials, and facilitate re-organization to encourage active play, choice, problem-solving, and decision making. The organization of any setting can affect the learning and interactions that take place including how well children can access resources and materials independently. During the on-site consultancy the team will be able to suggest any resources or materials that would benefit the level or specific strengths and needs of the children. Program development is another one of the services that a consultant can develop and implement for educational settings. This can include authentic assessment tools and specific programs to focus on particular strengths or needs. An authentic assessment tool enables adults to evaluate their children's progress and develop learning plans. Authentic assessments evaluate the children's ability to use their learnings in real life situations, in order to set up situations that allow for transfer of skills and knowledge to other settings. After an authentic assessment tool has been created, the consultancy team will facilitate the implementation of specific methodologies within the learning environments. Programs developed on specific topics can include mathematics for beginners, English as a second language or programs for special needs. The programs can be developed for on-site learning or distance education. The Benefits of Child Consultant Services for Teachers and Early Childhood Educators Consultancy services ultimately benefit the learning environment and the children's learning experiences. Adults have a built in incentive as a result of consultancy. By using these services childhood educators can: • Refresh their skills • Learn new Methods of Teaching/Facilitation • Explore Self-Reflection • Building new skills • Reinvigorated Passion for Teaching When teachers and early childhood educators continue their education and make the commitment to learn new approaches to teaching, they become more confident in their role, and become better leaders, nurturers and educators. Teachers and early childhood educators who have taken workshops, seminars and read books on childhood development reinvigorate their passion for teaching, and are happier within their career fields. Overall a consultant will observe and analyze the learning environment and practices, and collaborate to develop new ways to educate children best. In the process significant improvements will be realized and adults will benefit as a result of new experiences, skills and an opportunity to be offered feedback and advice. Lifelong Learn is a Canadian based company who provides a wide range of child consultant services including on-site assessments, seminars, workshops and program development. Educational institutions can hire these services for the pre-school and into the college and university level. For more information on consultancy or to view the team's recent publications visit, Lifelonglearn. Lifelong Learn, lead by expert childcare educator, Dr. Ingrid Crowther specializes in early childhood education by providing consulting services, custom workshops, adult and teacher education. Lifelong Learn also provides education texts and publications for various childhood education stages. For more information, please visit www.lifelonglearn.com.
Related Articles -
Child Consultant, Early Childhood Development Education, Childhood Educators,
| 
