Foundations of Early Childhood Overview

Week 1
I am connected to Walden University as my professional home. I hope to make connections to others as I did in my undergraduate program. Networking in an online setting is possible. Came into teaching by accident and have found my passion.





Week 2
A.  My three professional goals. (Hagel- passion is interactive, explorative, unpredictable, a journey)
     1. Teach college courses (make a difference in the lives and careers of young educators)
     2. Write and collaborate on early childhood literature (develop writing skills and increase my knowledge from colleagues)
     3. Work toward a doctoral degree (continue learning and pursuing my passion)
All align with goals of Walden and Richard W. Riley College of Education.

B.  My goals are connected with my vision and my prior experiences- my professional goals reflect my passion. What drives my passion? The nature of the work, dedication to the children and families. Small successes. Want to support children having harmful early experiences (neglect and abuse). Create safer, more just world for children and families. My passion is similar to leaders' in the field (Renatta Cooper and Louise Derman-Sparks).

References

Hagel, J. (2009, November). Pursuing passion. Message posted to http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2009/11/pursuing-passion.html 

• Passion is fluid, dynamic, always changing. Passion is becoming important for our personal success. Stress can be turned into stimulus.

Rosengren, C. (2010, February 4). Does having passion for your work even matter? U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved May 27, 2010, from http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2010/02/04/does-passion-for-work-even-matter 

• Commentary on the benefits of having passion, including having more energy, feeling more confidence, feeding your persistence

Walden University. (2016). About. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/about
 
Walden University. (2016). The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/colleges-schools/riley-college-of-education

Codes of Ethics from NAEYC and DEC

"We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value

and human potential of each child"

(DEC, 2009, p. 1).
This ideal is relevant to my work because it is one of the reasons I have a strong passion for early childhood. The NAEYC Code of Ethics also mentions valuing early childhood as a unique part of the lifespan (2005). This is important to me because some days I find myself losing a little patience with the children- then I remember the reality of young children's experiences. What we don't teach children, they don't know. We must actively teach children what behavior is appropriate and inappropriate. Impatience or inflated expectations of children are not helpful to young children's learning and development. I agree that each child has incredible potential- I would take this further and say that each child has an incredible gift to offer. Even the children with the most challenging of behaviors find ways to make us smile, make us feel fulfilled in our work, and change our perspective on humanity. Young children are truly amazing.

"To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child" (NAEYC, 2005, p. 2).
This quote summarizes my vision for my career. What I want is to promote the practices that I know to be evidence-based and best for young children. This requires following the knowledge-base and staying informed. The quote also touches upon emergent curriculum with young children, which stems from the notion that each child is unique and individual. This also relates to my goal of teaching adults in the early childhood field- I can help other young or new professionals value the knowledge-base and understand its applications to everyday practice.

"To support coworkers in meeting their professional needs and in their professional development" (NAEYC, 2005, p. 5). 
I chose this section of the code in particular because I like that NAEYC makes no implications about what the professional needs of colleagues may be. I had a conversation just yesterday with my supervisor (the assistant director of my center) where I brought her concerns about my classroom and she responded with respect, professionalism, and a strong sense of leadership. This is the kind of support I want to offer those I mentor- if I've learned anything in my journey to become an early childhood educator, it is that a good mentor or supervisor can make all the difference in an early childhood program. I would have never considered the amount of ethical and otherwise challenging situations may arise when working with young children and families. The support from administrative staff can make a huge difference for a childcare program. This is my goal, and why I am pursuing a master's degree- I want to become a mentor that knows how to support my colleagues in meeting their professional needs, whatever those may be.

References

The Division for Early Childhood. (2009). Code of ethics. Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf