Jordyn Aldrich

Personal Philosophy
FSH-2600
September 14, 2015
From birth to age 8 many critical and sensitive learning periods occur that make up a
large part of the person that child will become. Because of this, early childhood education is one
of the most beneficial resources any child could receive. Sue Bredekamp points out, changing
demographics and economics (Bredekamp, 2014) are the factors creating the impact on early
childhood education, and are ultimately the reasons why I have chosen to follow this career path.
An education system that was set up over 200 years ago wasnt concerned with a diverse
cultural population. The increasing number of immigrants in the population requires a drastic
change in the realm of early childhood education. The DAP is a perfect example of adaptation by
requiring the teacher to go above and beyond the curriculum. The three requirements being the
general knowledge of childhood development, knowing the individuals way of learning and,
lastly, understanding the childs background of culture (NAEYC, 2015). This way of teaching
ensures a more intimate and personalized education plan that recognizes the individual childs
needs.
As I stated, being an early childhood educator goes beyond the curriculum. Ken
Robinson spoke about a longitudinal study of divergent thinking that was taken by 1,500
kindergarteners. 98% of them scoring high enough to be considered a genus when it comes to
divergent thinking however, as they got older that percentage decreased (RSA Animate, 2010). In
life there is more than one answer for almost everything yet children are taught there is only one.
Despite curriculum, I believe a majority stems from the educators lack of ability to promote
creativity and is a serious concern I have for those working with diverse groups. Every culture
has its own ideas and views so how are educators adapting to the new ideas that coming with the
increase of culture? Above all, educators should be motivating and promoting the unique
learning processes of all children and not making them think theyre wrong for having a different
idea than whats in a book.
Along with that concept are the various teaching techniques. A very common phrase
amongst adults is, because I said so which is never satisfying to a child let alone a child that
doesnt understand the American culture. Children are brilliant and understand more than theyre
given credit for which is where intentional teaching comes into play. By definition, Intentional
teachers have a purpose for the decisions they make and can explain the purpose to others
(Bredekamp, 2014). Instead of dismissing that opportunity for the childs personal growth,
explain it to them. Children develop one track minds because theyre trained to think that way by
their educators instead of taking the time to treat them as the adults that we hope they become.
Every childs a uniquely intelligent being that is born to learn his or her own way and
right now society is letting them down. With economics and demographics constantly changing
the education system needs to learn how to change with. I think there needs to be an immediate
turn around with the focus on low income and culturally diverse neighborhoods of this country
because these specific areas are taking the greatest hits. I truly believe the turnaround of society
begins and ends with early childhood education and the longer the wait the more damage will be
done.

Jordyn Aldrich
Personal Philosophy
FSH-2600
September 14, 2015
References:
Bredekamp, S. (2014). Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education. 2nd ed. New Jersey:
Pearson.
NAEYC (2015, September 10). Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Retrieved from
http://www.naeyc.org/DAP
RSA Animate. (2010, October 14). Changing Education Paradigms [YouTube]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U&feature=youtu.be
Grade:
9 out of 10
Comments:

Sally Schramm, Sep 25 at 3:50pm I love your passion and knowledge, Jordyn!
Remember to answer all parts of the assignment, as a couple are missing