Ideals significant to me

To appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adults:  This is meaningful to me because early childhood is a very critical time for young children.  Early childhood professionals have the opportunity to mold the children into life-long learners because they are so eager to gain information.  They are like little sponges absorbing all they can from adults.  I educate teachers to nurture and appreciate their vulnerability, to be a positive role model at all times, and to fill them with as much knowledge as they possibly can.

To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and respect their dignity and contributions:  This is significant to my professional life because this is exactly what I teach other early childhood professionals.  During my mentoring process I supply the teacher with the necessary materials required to foster the children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.  I provide furniture and rearrange the classroom for a better flow,  more functionality, and promote independence of the children.  All commercial materials such as posters and calendars are removed from the classroom and replaced with work done by the children.  All work displayed on cabinets, backs of shelves, and walls is created by the children.  Allowing the children to do this gives them a sense of accomplishment to see what they have constructed being showcased throughout the classroom. 

To become familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training:  This is meaningful to me because I believe in “each one teach one”.  It’s true that the more you know the further you will go.  Increasing your knowledge is very important because individuals are always conducting research and new developments are constantly being made in the field of early childhood education.  Attending trainings is also beneficial for networking purposes.  Teachers can collaborate and share new ideas among themselves.