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Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education research paper
Early childhood education research paper
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My beliefs and values about early childhood education is based upon understanding that all children are unique individuals who need a caring, nurturing, and secure environment in which to grow and develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Children under the age of three are in critical stages of development, it is my belief that a quality child care environment will have a positive impact on a child’s development and make a significant difference in the life of a child and his or her family. My philosophy of early childhood education and the elements I believe are necessary in developing a developmentally appropriate child care environment is rooted in my views and beliefs about experimentalism, progressivism, multiculturalism, and the influence of philosophers such as Dewey, Piaget, Montessori, and Vygotsky. Furthermore, I believe young children will thrive and grow in developmentally appropriate child care programs that possess the following elements: (1) teachers who see themselves as intentional, responsive and respectful facilitators of learning, (2) the ability to build a community of learners, (3) implement an effective curriculum that allow children to explore their natural curiosity about the world. Although there are many educational philosophies, the two that most inspire my belief about early childhood education are experimentalism and progressivism. John Dewey’s experimentalism “saw thinking and doing as a unified flow of ongoing experience” (Gutek, 2009, p. 81). I view the world as an ever-changing place; therefore, I believe in teaching children to solve problems by examining and making discovers based on real life experiences. In combination with my experimentalist view, I value aspects of p... ... middle of paper ... ...hildhood teachers, I will continue to encourage them to grow as professionals to ensure they are providing a caring, nurturing, and secure environment that promotes growth and development in young children. My philosophy of early childhood education is reminds me of why I do the work that I do. I remember that children are active, curious individuals that will grow up to be active, curious, and hopefully productive members of society. It all begins at birth. Works Cited Bredekamp, S., & Copple, C. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood programs. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children. Gutek, G.L. (2009). New perspectives on philosophy and education. Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson. Mooney, C.G. (2000). An introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erickson, Piaget & Vygotsky. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
The first section of the Code specifically addresses our responsibilities to young children. Its twelve ideals emphasize the importance of basing program practices on knowledge of child development and remind early childhood educators that they are responsible for creating programs that meet the developmental needs of all children in ways that respect their culture, language, ethnicity and family structure. The twelve principles in this section of the Code describe practices that are required, permitted, or prohibited as we work with young children. It is this section of the Code that I find the most challenging.
Elliott, A. (2004). Where to Now for Early Childhood Education and Care? Early Childhood Education Research Program (ACER), 12(2).
The behaviorist and constructivist theories pose a significant debate in early childhood education that questions if curriculum should be based on the children’s natural childlike dispositions or should adults determine and decide every aspect of curriculum. The distinction between the two theories determine what and how young children learn. The behaviorist theory believes that people of all ages learn the same and that behavior is controlled by outside influences and rewards. Whereas, the constructivist theory believes young children develop cognitive structure based on interactions with other people and the environment. Most early childhood programs follow the constructivist theory and are child-centered. According to Freeney, Galper, and
This section of the code calls early childhood educators to be “caring, empathetic, fair and act with integrity” as well as “foster the joy of learning through play-based pedagogy” (CECE, 2011, p. 11). I felt that I showed these values and beliefs throughout my experience by creating lessons based on my students developmental needs and personal interests.
Besides a dreamer, I am also a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), and for the past ten years I have worked at a daycare with an emergent curriculum, primarily in the kindergarten and school age programs. Like constructivism, the emergent curriculum is based on the theories of Jean Piaget, John Dewey, and Lev Vygotsky. Teachers plan the programming around children’s interests, record the outcomes, analyze the results, and then plan more programming around these new interests. I may currently be an RECE, but teaching in an elementary school is always something I have wanted to do from a very young age. I was extremely lucky to have many teachers whose love of being an educator was so palpable that it inspired me to do the same for a future generation. It is why I am currently at the University of Windsor getting my degree in psychology. After receiving my degree, I plan on applying to teacher’s college.
Early childhood education, although constantly evolving, was actually established and practiced as early on as the times of Ancient Greece and Rome. The foundation that early childhood education is based upon is to instill in children the skills needed to succeed later on in life, while making sure young children enjoy their time in schooling. Throughout chapter 3 in the textbook Who Am I in the Lives of Children, the reader is capable of evaluating just how greatly the methods for teaching today’s youth have evolved and changed for the better.
Children who participate in quality early learning programs tend to be more successful later in school. They are also most socially and emotionally competent. In addition those children show higher verbal and intellectual development during early childhood than children who do not participate in early learning programs (A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Quality Child Care). In order for a child care center to be a quality center they must have an educated staff, a program accreditation, and good health and safety practices. Parents choose high quality child care for many reasons. These programs prepare children for school in which they gain intellectual and social skills. Also the programs are a good opportunity for children because they receive age-appropriate learning materials and activities to let the children learn and grow.
From the perspective I have at this stage in my journey in the early childhood education field, I would like to share what I have come to value and believe in regards to early learning and care by looking at my philosophy statement. To begin we will look at the statement and highlight three key features and find out why they are important to me, then we will see what they will look like in my practice, and lastly we will examine these ideas closely by looking at where they originated. By taking an in-depth look at my philosophy statement we will better understand the motivation behind my practice which I hope to continue to refine and refresh as I gain more knowledge and experience.
During my experience as an Early Childhood teacher I have learned that by reflecting on my teaching practice I can modify my teaching approaches so that they are more intentional and effective. These
Additionally, a high quality early childhood program highlights on developmentally appropriate curriculum. I believe an early childhood classroom should be flexible, stimulating, clean, safe and organized. It should be a place where students can be engaged in learning through interacting with things around them.
In the end, as early childhood educators we want to fight the constant layers of oppression our generation currently encourages and condones into what America is made up to be. By identifying our personal biases, understanding our many social identities, examining institutional advantages and disadvantages, understanding internalized privilege and oppression, and finally learning how to take action we can change the way kids socially identify themselves and create a wholesome environment where we are all equal. By respecting and coaching healthy ways of life, our children can only grow to help future generations and facilitate a growing America with positive results.
As an effective early childhood educator, creating strong partnerships with children and their parents, as explained by Shonkoff et al. (2000; as cited in Wood 2008) has shown that to provide a productive learning environment a teacher must have a positive relationship with children and their families.
Morrison, G. S. (1976). Chapter 6: Early Childhood Programs APPLYING THEORIES TO PRACTICE. In Early childhood education today (10th ed., pp. 5-31). Columbus, Ohio: Merrill.
Early childhood education plays a key role in a child’s academic development because he or she learns soft skills, job skills, and develop positive traits. Preschool is not like kindergarten, but instead a stepping-stone that prepares young students for the years of schooling they will have later in life. As more schools began to open families wanted to be able to verify that programs would benefit and protect their children. In response, the National Association for the Education of Young Children was made to help families find the best care for their children, by providing the early childhood educators with training and ensuring the quality of children’s daily experiences. (“NAEYC”5).
There are many documented theories about early childhood development, contemporary research still concurs with some of these theories. It suggests, however, that we should be thinking more holistically, taking into consideration; respect for diversity, the wider community and equity, play based curriculums, intentional teaching and ongoing reflective practices when planning for optimal educational experiences for children (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 2009). I acknowledge that ongoing professional learning and reflective practices are a key element of the Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009). I accredit working and collaborating with other teachers, families and local communities collectively contribute