Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 7. EARLY CHILDHOOD FIELD EXPERIENCES
Field experiences and clinical practice are planned and sequenced so that candidates develop the
knowledge, skills and professional dispositions necessary to promote the development and learning of young
children across the entire developmental period of early childhood-in at least two of the three early childhood
age groups (birth-age 3, 3 through 5, 5 through 8 years) and in the variety of settings that offer early education
(early school grades, child care centers and homes, Head Start programs). (NAEYC, 2010)
Brief Description of Evidence:
Throughout my educational journey I did two practicums and several observations. My first preschool
practicum was at Gateway Association in Anderson, Indiana where I was a lead teacher for ages 3-5. The other
practicum I did was a generalist practicum where I was an assistant teacher at Head Start\TRC. I have used
photos of children 3-5 from Head Start. Also I have included photos of children 0-3 years old in the Wrap
Around program. The two programs are under Head Start however the preschool ages 3-5 is seasonal. The
children only come for eight months either 3 hours AM or 3 hours PM. There are no classes on Friday for
the 3-5 year olds. The Early Head Start is for children 0-3 years old. This program is Wrap Around (year round)
and the children attend every day. Hours of operation for the Wrap Around are from 7:30AM 6PM.
Analysis of What I Learned:
Through completion of this preschool practicum I was able to use positive interaction and social skills
while working collaboratively with a small group of children. Through this artifact I have learned how to
integrate subject matter into an overall curriculum in which children are actively involved in their own learning.
I learned that every classroom is different and there are several types of learners. Both places where I did my
practicum were very supportive of my education. However Head Start provided more training and resources for
me as well as the families that I serve.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:
Vygotsky believed that children construct their understanding of a concept in the course of interactions
with others. He thought that having the ability to attach labels to objects and processes, which is important in
concept development, generalization, and thought. Vygotsky believed that childrens everyday activities take
place in the zone of proximal development. Since I have established communication skills with other teachers,
social workers as well as children and families. I have demonstrated my competency in this standard because I
will allow my families to be more involved in classroom activities by asking for feedback as well as ideas. My
goal is to make the classroom a family of learners.