Here are three ideals (from NAEYC Code of Ethics) that are meaningful to me in my career.
1. To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related discisplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child.
As a Head Start teacher and Site Administrator years ago, I ran a program that was based upon my knowledge of child development and best practice. I planned experiences to meet the children's needs and encouraged growth in skill development. In my current role, my work is not only based on child development and best practice, but also research as I design training for early childhood teachers.
2. To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
As early childhood teachers and professionals, we must be cognizant of each child's abilities, and interests. It is by tapping into children's interests that we see their potential at work. Young children are so open and willing to learn, it is our job to facilitate that learning based on their abilities.
3. To work with families to provide a safe and smooth transition as children and families move from one program to the next.
One large aspect of my programs, when I was teaching, was to invite and engage families in the classroom. Whether it was for lunch or a big harvest celebration, I encouraged families to spend time with us and witness what happens in the classroom environment. Over the past year or so I have been working to begin a parenting training series and we have never located the funding to execute the program. Recently, we have hired on a new position at my agency, Family and Community Specialist, and my dream may become reality soon. I feel strongly that parents must be educated in may ways. In every training I conduct I spend time discussing with the group how they can educate and engage families.
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am not in your blog group, I came to visit your blog after your thoughtful words in response to a post I made in the Student Lounge. I wanted to know a little bit more about you. I see that we share a background in Head Start. My time in Head Start as an Assistant Director was quite brief, as our delegate agency was shuttered less than two years after my arrival.
It was evident to me that your choices of ideals were quite different than mine. As much as I appreciate the science of early education, including brain research, I never associated Head Start with cutting edge best practice due to its performance standard inertia.
I would love to know more about resources that you use that have successfully blended the need for research-based practices with voluminous performance standards, and innovative best practices. I have been fascinated by the Reggio Emilia Approach, and while at the Head Start, prior to its demise, we had toyed with the idea of moving towards an increasingly Reggio-influenced curriculum.
In my current role at a State Preschool, our leadership is also very much interested in Reggio Emilia.
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteYour second ideal spoke volumes to me. I find it so important to recognize a child for himself or herself and encourage children to be individuals. I admire your committment to children.
Anetria