Where can an EJE work?

07/02/2024

The profession of Early Childhood Educator (ECE), also simply called educator, occupies an important place in the field of education and support for young children.

EJEs are professionals specially trained to promote the development and awakening of toddlers, as well as to support families in their parental role. Their training and skills allow them to practice their profession in various structures. In this article, we will explore the different functions of an educator and the different places they can work.

The profession of educator

Before exploring the various workplaces of an EJE, let us briefly recall what this profession consists of. EJEs are professionals in the education and support of children aged 0 to 12. Generally, their role involves the implementation of educational actions aimed at promoting their overall development, whether on a physical, emotional, social or cognitive level. They work closely with families, as mediators and facilitators, to support the parent in their educational role.

What are the different places where an EJE can work?

Private or public nurseries

The nursery is one of the most common places where an educator of young children can practice their profession. Within a nursery, the EJE is responsible for several missions and tasks:

to ensure the emotional, physical and psychological well-being of children,
to plan and propose teaching and educational activities adapted to their development,
to develop the educational project of the nursery and ensure its application in each action,
to work in close collaboration with the entire nursery team: nursery assistants, childcare assistants, nurses,
to promote socialization between toddlers,
to provide basic care,
to communicate with parents and answer their questions,
to ensure their safety.

Day homes

Day homes are reception facilities for children aged 4 to 12. These establishments look after them outside of school hours, which is beneficial for parents with busy schedules.

In this context, the EJE works in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to:

develop a personalized educational project for each child,
watch over them and support them in their development,
provide them with academic support,
arouse their curiosity,
communicate with parents and advise them if necessary.

Communication and coordination skills are essential, as the ECE must work hand in hand with other professionals to guarantee quality support.

Hospitals

Pediatric wards within hospitals are another type of workplace for ECEs. Their role here is a little different from that which they play in a nursery. It consists of :

supporting hospitalized children and their families,
to create an environment conducive to awakening and learning, despite sometimes difficult medical circumstances,
to promote the relationship between the child and the medical team, thus allowing for better overall care.

Education and reception services

Education and care services (SEA) provide children with secure care. They have access to:

rest and dining areas,
minimal academic support and a favorable environment for completing homework,
educational and fun activities.
The main mission of the educator is therefore the implementation of specific activities aimed at promoting the development of children by taking into account their particular needs.

Training centers

EJEs can also engage in training. They can work as trainers in training centers that deliver the DEEJE (State Diploma in Early Childhood Educator). Thus, they help and support future graduates during their studies or internships.

It is possible to work as an educator in a wide variety of locations, each with their own missions and challenges. Whether in a nursery, a day home, a pediatric hospital, an education and reception service or even within training structures, ECEs have an essential role to play in the development of children and the support to families. Their ability to communicate, coordinate and implement appropriate educational actions makes them versatile and valuable professionals in the field of Early Childhood.

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