Is 45-hour training in Maryland for early educators a brain gym? - post

Is 45-hour training in Maryland for early educators a brain gym?

image in article Is 45-hour training in Maryland for early educators a brain gym?We all know the importance of a physical jungle gym for developing strong muscles. But what about a "jungle gym for the brain"? An #early-childhood #classroom should be exactly that—a complex, engaging, and challenging environment that builds strong, flexible, and resilient neural pathways. How can you, as a Maryland #educator, learn the architectural principles to design and build this cognitive #playground? The 45-hour training courses are your essential construction manual.

What Are the "Blueprints" for a Well-Built Brain?

How can you know what to build if you don't have a plan? The 45-hour Growth and Development course is your set of neurological blueprints. This course goes beyond simple milestones and gives you a deep understanding of the architecture of the developing brain. You'll learn how experiences shape neural connections, how executive function skills are built in the "prefrontal cortex construction zone," and why social-emotional learning is the essential "foundation" for all other cognitive structures. Understanding these blueprints is the first step to becoming a master brain-builder.

Are Your "Building Materials" Rich and Open-Ended?

What kind of equipment does a brain-gym need? A physical jungle gym has bars to climb and slides to zip down. A cognitive jungle gym needs rich, open-ended materials. The 45-hour Preschool Curriculum training teaches you how to select the best "building materials." You'll learn why a bin of simple wooden blocks offers more "reps" for the brain's problem-solving "muscles" than a single-purpose electronic toy. You'll discover how open-ended art supplies build the "core strength" of creativity. This course teaches you to stock your classroom with materials that invite complex thinking, not just simple play.

Is Your Role a "Personal Trainer" for the Mind?

How do you guide children through their cognitive workout? A great personal trainer knows when to push, when to support, and when to stand back. This training, available from approved providers like ChildCareEd, teaches you the art of being a cognitive personal trainer. You’ll learn the techniques of scaffolding—providing just enough support to help a child climb to the next level of understanding. You’ll master the art of asking open-ended questions that encourage children to do the "heavy lifting" of critical thinking themselves.

So, Is Your Classroom a "Waiting Room" or a "Workout Room" for the Mind?

What kind of environment are you providing for the developing brain? You can create a passive "waiting room," a place where children are kept safe and occupied. Or you can use the principles learned in Maryland's 45-hour training to construct a dynamic, challenging, and expertly designed "jungle gym for the brain." By becoming a skilled architect of the learning environment, you can ensure that every child in your care is building the cognitive strength they need for a lifetime of success.

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