Functional Ability Categories & Representative Activities for the

Early Childhood Education Program

Gross Motor Skills

push and pull objects up to 40 lbs on a frequent basis (e.g. strollers, wagons)
lift and carry objects up to 40 lbs without losing stability or balance
bend, stoop, kneel, squat (or otherwise get to child level) quickly without losing
stability or balance
reach above own shoulders to access or replace equipment and supplies
arrange environment (furniture and supplies) to prepare for activities, ensuring
safety and accessibility
transport/evacuate children in emergencies
move within confined spaces
reach below waist (e.g. to plug in appliances, pick up toys)
reach in front of own body (e.g. to hold children, show books and toys, help
diaper/dress children, set tables, etc.)
participate in childrens group games
Self-Evaluation (Type Here): I feel like I can fully do all of the above mentioned things. I physically have no
restrictions in any of these areas. The only thing I am able to see as possibly being an issue would be move within
confined spaces. It would depend on how confined these spaces are. I feel like if it was in a childcare safe setting
I would be able to fit in any place. If it were to be in a really tight space like in a tunnel it might pose a small
challenge due to my size. If I lost a few pounds it would be less of an issue, but I still do not feel it is an issue.

Fine Motor Skills

perform moderate manipulative tasks such as writing, fastening buttons/zippers,

turning pages in a book, etc.
pick up objects with hands
write with a pen or pencil
key/type (use a computer)
twist objects (e.g. turn door knobs)
squeeze (e.g. open medications, handle small items)
assist in making games and learning materials for children
assist in record keeping and maintaining written progress notes
assist with self care activities such as dressing, feeding, diapering
Self-Evaluation: I work for the YMCA as a Lead teacher at a before and after school program. I need to be able
to do these things every day. I feel like I am 100% competent in this area. I have no difficulty in any of these
areas. The only thing I could think of for me to improve on would be my key/type and that would be to make it
faster, however I am pretty quick at it already.

Physical Endurance

tolerate long periods of sitting, standing, and/or walking/mobility without becoming

fatigued
sustain repetitive movements (e.g. playing, pushing swings, etc.)
Self-Evaluation: I work a summer program which is ten hour days and I am lucky if I get to sit down for a half
hour out of the day. I am always up running around with the kids, playing games, talking with parents, setting up or
taking down games or activities. The children I work with are 5-12 so they are a little faster moving then the
smaller ones, and sometimes I feel like they need you to be more physical then the smaller kids.

Hearing

distinguish normal sounds from background noises

hear normal speaking level sounds
hear faint voices and/or body sounds (e.g. that may indicate childs pain, needs, etc.)

hear fire alarms, apnea monitors, telephones & doorbells ringing

differentiate playful from harmful play sounds in a loud setting
Self-Evaluation: I have great hearing. I dont know how often kids say to me How did you hear that? I have been
around children all my life since my mom owns a family daycare so I know the sounds of pain cries, and hungry cries,
and I want attention cries as well.

Vision

identify children/adolescents, co-workers, and visitors from a distance of 10 feet

read typed and written correspondence (books, parent notes, calendars, activity
plans, etc.)
see objects 20 inches away (e.g. computer screens skin conditions)
use peripheral vision and depth perception (e.g. to help children safely cross streets,
climb stairs, etc.)
distinguish color and color intensity (e.g. to determine if a child looks pale, has a
rash, matches colored objects correctly)
determine safety standards of equipment (e.g. loose nuts & bolts, frayed cords,
dangerous areas, uneven surfaces, etc.)
Self-Evaluation: I have over all good vision. I do have glasses for reading. If I need to read up close things for any
extended period of time I will wear them and then I do not have an issue. I am still able to read fine without them
but after a while my eyes will strain to read after about 15 min of reading small print. My prescription is all a very
low one. The only thing I can think that I can do to improve in this area is to always wear my glasses.

Environment

tolerate the following:

exposure to bodily fluids (diaper changes, bloody or runny noses, etc.)
bacteria and infectious agents from ill children
exposure to chemicals and agents such as disinfectants, soaps, cleaners,
bleaches, etc.
minor bodily injuries (scrapes, bruises, bites) caused by the unpredictable
behaviors of young children
exposure to loud and/or unpleasant noises due to the unpredictable nature
of young children
exposure to strong odors (e.g. cleaning supplies, dirtied diapers)
supervise childrens play activities, enforcing safety rules
Self-Evaluation: This is one of my more weak areas due to the fact that I am prone to migraines when I smell
strong chemical smells. Things like soap and cleaners are usually ok, however when it comes to strong bleach
solutions I often get headaches from it. The only way I am able to improve with that is to avoid being near it. I am
able to deal with it if I have to however. When it comes to blood, and bodily functions I am fine, and just about as
comfortable as one can be when needing to be around it.

Reading & Writing

read, write and understand written documents such as books, parent notes,
calendars, activity plans, medication instructions, progress notes, emergency
procedures, etc.
Self-Evaluation: I feel fully able in this area. In my job I am in charge of dealing with all the above mentioned
things on a daily basis. I have yet to have issues with any of it.

Math

tell time
add and subtract basic numbers
document numbers in records (charts, medication dispersal, etc.)

measure quantities for snack or food preparation

dial phone numbers to summon emergency assistance
Self-Evaluation: I am very good at math. I wanted to be a high school math teacher for a while, and would still
consider it if I were to continue on with my education. Again with my job I do things like measure quantities for
snack, dial numbers to call parents of sick children, and keep records on a regular basis.

Emotional Stability

provide children and families with emotional support

adapt to changing environments/stress
manage or deal with the unexpected
respond to a crisis situation in a manner that maintains the health and safety of the
children in the classroom/program
cope with own emotions
cope with strong emotions in others (anger, fear, grief, crying)
concentrate on details despite frequent interruption
tolerate individual differences, values and beliefs
maintain honesty and trust with employer, co-workers, parents, children
Self-Evaluation: I feel like this is one of my biggest strengths. I am a people person. I also am very good at reading
into others feelings, thoughts and body language. I have been put in any high stress situations with both my staff,
parents of children, and children where emotions could or did get out of hand. My director has always come back
after these occurrences and thanked me for staying calm and helping to calm the parent, child or employee. I take
this as a very high complement due to the fact that it takes a lot for my director to complement something like
this.

Analytical Thinking

perform multiple responsibilities concurrently

process and interpret information from multiple sources
problem solve
evaluate outcomes
prioritize tasks
use long-term memory
use short-term memory
Self-Evaluation: I feel like now I am pretty good with this. It took me trial and error many times with things in this
area before I got to where I am now. I used to struggled with and sometimes still struggle with using my short
term memory to remember things like number. Numbers are important with my job due to needed to know
headcounts, and the number of children in multiple rooms off the top of my head. After 4 years I have gotten a lot
better at it.

Critical Thinking

identify cause and effect relationships

plan and implement activities for others
provide identifiable activity routines for children and facilitate transitions
sequence information
make decisions independently
adapt decisions based on new information
modify environments based on individual needs of children
Self-Evaluation: I have great critical thinking. If I didnt I would not have the job position I do. I am very good at
modifying environments based on individual needs of children. I LOVE to work with challenging kids. I have
patients for days when it comes to those types of kids. I have to be able to plan activities and I also need to be

able to direct and aid my staff in how to do so as well. I feel like when working with children this is a very
important area.

Interpersonal Skills

establish professional relationships

establish rapport with families and community groups
respect and value cultural differences of others
negotiate interpersonal conflict
respect dignity and rights of all children
encourage and model positive social relationships and habits
interpret body language and respond appropriately
honor relationships with honesty and integrity
Self-Evaluation: This is my strongest area. I have had parents call my director and tell her how much they love me.
I know that can sounds smug and like I am full of myself, but I pride myself in the fact that I have children and
their families who truly like me and are willing to go out of their way to let my boss know. I have had parents and
children tell them multiple times how much they like me and just how much I have helped them or their family. It is
the best feeling in the world. I have had parents move their children to program sites I work at so they are able to
be with me for the full year around from the school year into summer and back again. I have staff who will request
to work with me all the time. I have staff from other sites who will come to me with questions or problems looking
for incite or advice. I truly feel this is my greatest strength.

Communication Skills

speak loudly enough to be heard in a noisy room

speak at an understandable, conversational level
interact with parents and co-workers in a positive, honest, and friendly manner
speak and write English
listen and comprehend the written/spoken word
collaborate with others (e.g. therapists, health care workers, etc.)
recognize and respect family/child confidentiality
participate in staff meetings, training sessions and meet continuing education
requirements as outlined in state certification/licensing regulations
work cooperatively with staff to develop potential of individual children
Self-Evaluation: I am able to do all of the above. For work I could have done more continuing education classes in
the past but now since I am in school for early childhood education I feel that I am doing all I can. I could probably
know more when it comes to the licensing regulations. I know a good deal, however there is always room to improve
when it comes to licensing because things always seem to change.