Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 1. PROMOTING CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING
Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs are grounded in a child development knowledge
base. They use their understanding of young childrens characteristics and needs, of multiple interacting
influences on childrens development and create environments that are healthy respectful, supportive and
challenging for each child. (NAEYC, 2010)

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the fall semester of 2013 during my ECED 210-Early Childhood Administration course I spent
numerous hours in observing classroom environments. I created my own dream center using rating scales that
required the role that an administrator may take in managing these important aspects of a program. It is
critical to have clear policies and procedures related to health in the family handbook. This course showed me
the importance of environments and how big of a role it plays in the development of a child. For a child to be
able to learn effectively, educators must follow all management plans to create environments that are safe
and secure, include accommodations for the multiple interacting influences in a childs life, and take in to
account each childs individual characteristics and needs in order for for a child to experience positive
outcomes provided through a supportive yet challenging environment.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Through completion of this project I learned the importance enforcing playground safety standards
and crisis management plans. I learned that administrators must develop plans, provide staff training, and be
prepared to act in a variety of emergency situations. Shaken Baby/Safe Sleep training, CPR, universal
precautions, and First Aid training, and mandatory child abuse reporting training are all required for childhood
staff. . I learned that on a daily basis, administrators are asked questions by families and staff about child
health, immunizations, medications and exclusion for symptoms of illness. This training is crucial to the
environment in which we care for children. I also learned that part of health is the provision of meals and
snacks that meet USDA requirements and help children develop life- long eating habits. As an educator, I have
a responsibility to encourage nutrition for children.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

This project showed me the importance of being part of designing a comprehensive program plan
appropriate for populations served. Demonstrating interpersonal skills that encourage communication of
program goals with families, community and resource agencies. I learned how to formulate a mission
statement and philosophy in accordance with child development theories. I now have a clearer understanding
of how working with familys agencies and population served to create an environment that is safe, nurturing,
and promotes growth in all areas of development for all children.