Future So Bright: February 2013

Monday, February 25, 2013

I Just want to say......Thank You

As I reflect over my course, Foundations: Early Childhood, I am pleased to say that I am happy to have made the decision to receive my Masters in the education field. Studying education was never my main focus and I never thought I would consider, but the love for children has brought me here. To witness and see so many people who have the same passion as myself, brings a new light to life. Learning that the first three years of life are important, gathering resources, learning different ways to interact and communicate with parents and families are very essential to me as I plan to become a teacher and advocate for children. Unfortunately, there are people in the world who study these materials but still do not have the best interest at heart for children. I am happy to say that my colleagues are not those people; they are people of professionalism, wisdom, love, courage, discipline, and leaders. I never thought I would feel comfortable with discussing and interacting with such a positive group over the internet. I feel a deep connection with each of them, as we are all striving to think of and participate in ways of creating a safe and healthy environment for our youth. To my colleagues, I feel that I have met each of you personally and ending this course with you all is a bittersweet moment for me. To my professor, Dr. Janet Kien, thanks for being patient with each of us as we come to you with our many questions and concerns. Thanks for being there and guiding us through this experience.

To my colleagues and future leaders, thank you for your continued support and encouraging words. Sometimes just a few words of "Good Job" and "Well done" are much needed words when trying to navigate through life. I wish the best for each of you and remember,

"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination."
-Don Williams Jr.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Quote of the day~

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Three Ideals; Code of Ethics

This week, I read the code of ethics for NAEYC and DEC and they all were very helpful as they represent guidance and counsel for anyone interested in studying in the early childhood field. There were three ideals that were meaningful to me;

1. To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

*This ideal is very important to me as I continue my journey through the education field. It is essential to all professionals to understand the basis of the field and gain vital knowledge concerning the needs of our children. Throughout this course, I have learned how to value and gather helpful resources and understand why it is important to stay current with the issues that children, families, communities, and professionals are facing. It is important for me as an inspiring teacher and future leader to stay current and to continue to research information that will benefit me as such.

2. To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

*It is very important for the parents to be involved in their child's studies. As a professional, I want to be able to communicate with each family in the proper manner without offending their lifestyle, beliefs and/or religion. I have learned in this course that families from other countries are not familiar with our school systems here in the United States. It is very important that I find creative ways to make those families feel comfortable with participating in their child's activities and to build relaxed relationships and trust with those families. I feel that building this partnership with the families will make the child more at ease and comfortable in the school setting creating a successful learning experience for that individual.

3. To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers

*Creating a safe and positive environment for our children is essential. Children mostly operate based on what they see. If they witness teachers and other workers not communicating well, they will assume that those behaviors are okay and acceptable. Professionals should be able to work together and focus on the need of the children. If we can come together as a whole and think of ways to better help our children, then we are one step closer to success. We have to understand that our co-workers are resources as well and we can learn a lot from their ideas and experiences. Professionals should instill in their minds that we have to take away our egos and to know that this is not about us, but for a better future for our youth. If one can remember that everyday, indeed there shouldn't be any misunderstandings or disrespect to another co-worker.