ECE Philosophy Statement

What we need to do and all we need to do is to give children as much

help and guidance as they need and ask for, listen respectfully when they feel like

talking and then get out of the way. We can trust them to do the rest. This incredibly

insightful quote is by John Holt, author of How Children Learn. I find this very inspiring

and all-encompassing of the field of early childhood education.

A developmentally appropriate practice [DAP] begins with early childhood

educators knowledge of how children learn and develop (Sue Bredekamp 73). The

most effective way for educators to teach is through a DAP. By understanding that each

child learns and grows in different ways and at different paces, educators can meet the

individual at his or her level to promote optimum development that is age appropriate.

The importance of play is often discussed in regards to a developmentally appropriate

practice as well. Play is sometimes taken for granted as a waste of time, but it is

actually one of the best learning tools children have right at their fingertips. The wide

variety of ways in which children play prove to promote development in a vast number

of areas, such as cognitive development, motor skills (both fine and gross), social/

emotional development and much more. Play should always be incorporated into early

childhood education and should never be overlooked.

Furthermore, it is the job of the teacher to make sure that activities, such as play,

are included in the day to day schedule and curriculum. This means they are

intentionally teaching. The intentional teacher plans carefully in advance, but also has

enough knowledge to make thoughtful decisions throughout the day, even during the

unplanned, spontaneous teachable moments that inevitably arise (76). No matter the
area of life, being intentional and organized always pays off. When applied to early

childhood education, the results are overwhelmingly positive and fruitful. An organized

curriculum allows for a positive environment, which then allows for trust, confidence and

continual learning.

Additionally, the aforementioned organized curriculum is a big piece to the

puzzle. When standards and curriculums align, they progress as children get older so

that they acquire the foundations of skills and knowledge to continue to achieve (319).

This alignment is important because it sets the stage for life-long learning. People do

not stop learning just because they have grown up. We continue learning for the rest

of our lives and the education we receive early on signifies what that will look like for

each individual. Learning theorist, B. F. Skinner, has defined and discussed different

kinds of conditioning and behaviorism that we receive throughout our lives. Just like

intentional teaching and good curriculums, it shapes our lives. Skinner says that

reinforcers help determine positive behavioral patterns. As educators, we must always

be mindful to exercise positive reinforcement in the classroom.

Other areas that absolutely require positive reinforcement are special education

and multi-lingual classrooms. Kindness, patience and compassion are must-have

values of educators in these classes. It is important to cherish the diversity inside the

classroom and leave all bias outside the classroom. Only then can you give each

student 100 percent of your skills and knowledge.

Observations and assessments also prove to be extremely beneficial to early

childhood education. Teachers and third party professionals can do assessments (such

as the DRDP, CLASS, ECERS and much more). More often than not, an outsiders
perspective is very valuable and a great asset to educators and parents. By observing

and assessing behavior of both students and teachers, the potential for growth and

positive development becomes easier to grasp.

Everything that I have mentioned thus far has become a part of my philosophy as

a future educator and as someone who works with children on a regular basis. I have

become extremely mindful in front of children, as to model positive and morally sound

behavior. I am intentional in conversation and during the teachable moments that Sue

Bredekamp references in the text. And finally, I really appreciate the role that play has

taken in the early stages of development. There is no replacement for that kind of

meaningful, hands-on learning. I can only hope that when I become an educator, I will

live up to these great standards that I have set for myself; that I can give children as

much help and guidance as they need and ask for, listen respectfully when they feel like

talking and then get out of the way. For, as John Holt says we can trust them to do the

rest.

Source

Bredekamp, Sue. Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education: Building a

Foundation. 3rd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2017. Print.