test file

1. Kristina L. Williams
CE101-03 Introduction to Early Childhood
Education
Professor Kathryn Vanhorn
June 16, 2014

2. I absolutely love children and I knew that I would always do something in the childhood field. I am happy that I took
the initiative to pursue my goals and encourage my life to do what was put in me to do.
During this term I have learned that being the best advocate and educator is more than just providing a childcare
center and employing individuals who may need a career. It is about nurturing, educating, loving, caring/sharing and
embracing each vision and opportunity that is given not only to you but to the children and parents as well.
I have shared and gained so much knowledge and I will utilize it within my next term and throughout my educational
journey. I will try attending at least 1 conference this year by my selected organization. I will also become more
involved within my community. I will continuously engaged myself throughout all activities and share the knowledge
with the public just as it has been shared with me. I will be the best advocate that I can possibly be!

3. • Unit 1 focused on developing your professional identity, and creating a professional portfolio.
• Cultural and professional organizations have an overall impact on our understanding and our role in childhood
education
• Create a “Professional Portfolio” as it is your first (and ongoing) effort to define and redefine yourself as an
educator. (Follari, L. 2011, Page 2).
• As leading educators it is important that we also develop a professional foundation for our children

4. • Change has been embraced within the childcare field
• Philosophical educators paved the way for childhood development and education
• When 1700 – 1900’s
• Friedrich Froebel created the first “Kindergarten”. He envisioned a garden like development
• Elizabeth Palmer Peabody promoted Friedrich’s methods in America
• These educators (and much more) have planted the seeds within their past so that the children of our future
may continue to flourish
• Created hands on materials such as concrete objects (Owen, 1857).

5.  It is vitally important that our Directors and Staff keep up with the childcare center standards on licensing,
safety and regulations
 “Early childhood Professionals have an ethical obligation to uphold high standards of practice.” (NAEYC’s,
Licensing and Public Regulation of Early Childhood Education, page 1)
 Following the standards that have been implemented by previous parties will provide a solid foundation
 Maintain current certification of a CPR and first aid course
 Supervision: Children should be supervised at all times, even when sleeping.
 Parents may choose child care centers because they believe that larger groups, multiple caregivers, and state
inspections make programs safer for their children and make the arrangement more dependable; or because
they respect the reputation of the child care program or the institution sponsoring the program

6.  There are different stages of development, some of
which have different characteristics that influences
how a child will adapt to his/her environment.
(Isabell, 2007)
• When planning your curriculum think of many ways
that integrate different ways of thinking within the
childcare center.
• As educators it is particularly important for us to
develop an understanding of all the ways in which
people are smart (Gardner, 1993b)
Express imagination, be
creative and engage in all
learning activities

7. • NAEYC provides an outstanding Code of Ethical Conduct and maybe the foundation of many childcare
centers.
• NAEYC touches on several different topics; Relationships, Curriculum, Teaching, Health, Teachers etc.
• With NAEYC all families have access to early childhood education programs that are affordable and provide
high quality care
• The NAEYC Ethics Code established that of all children have to be treated fairly and with respect
• Learning Educators, Directors and Owners should be aware of this code. We are also responsible for keeping
all children safe, healthy, and remaining current on any changes in regulations within the Ethics Code
• Be sure to contact your local or state Affiliate for information about service opportunities in your state and
community

8.  Parents who are not involved with their children (education) may be dealing with transportation, employment,
lack of education, single parent(s), etc.
 “When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better
in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory,
2002).
 Address the issues with the parent(s). Provide assistance in anyway possible to get the parent(s) involved.
 Becoming a volunteer within the childcare center, going on field trips, participating in Parent Teacher
Conferences is always a great way to stay involved.
 Helping our parents so they may help our children
 Host a movie night; invite the parents within the community. Wear name tags during conferences and have
everyone introduce themselves to break the ice
 Show and parent. Host a play date with all parents and children. The parents can explain what they do and
how they could use a bit of help.

9.  Professional development begins with wanting to better yourself. You can begin by going to a tech school or
college to obtain your Directors Credentials – CDA.
 Individuals who seek further education are prepared and are more likely to pursue their dreams and goals
 By understanding the meaning of Professional development it gives me the know how to proceed further
within my life and broaden my horizons
 By helping myself, I am proactively able to assist others within my field and community

10.  It is important that we are educated on the signs
of child abuse and neglect. By doing so, we’re
able to easily recognize the symptoms.
 Child abuse can come in many different forms;
physical, mentally, verbally and/or emotionally
 It is important to become familiar with the child
abuse standards and requirements within your
state.
 The state of Florida has a hotline ready and
available for individuals who need to report child
abuse and neglect.
 Hotline number - (800) 962-2873
 Nationally, four-fifths (78.3%) of victims were
neglected, 18.3 percent were physically abused,
9.3 percent were sexually abused and 8.5 percent
were psychologically maltreated.
 You can obtain Child Maltreatment reports from
the Children’s Bureau website at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/resea
rch-data-technology/statistics-
research/child-maltreatment

11.  While writing/creating my educational philosophy; I plan on providing an enriched environment for infants
and children. This will benefit them within their physical, emotional and cognitive development.
 All children will have a set curriculum, one that provides growth within every aspect of their lives. We will
teach children from ages; infant to age 12
 All areas of the curriculum will cover Language development (different languages), earth science,
mathematics, physical and mental exercises etc.
 Being the best advocate within the childcare environment and throughout the community will assist and
enhance professional/personal engagements
 Remaining updated on all Ethics Codes, policies and procedures will keep your mind fresh and aware on all
different problems, policies and symptoms of problems that may arise
 Provide programs where parents and children are actively engaged

12.  It is important to remember that not all the knowledge will come at once. You must remain patient, show love
and compassion; stay alert, have great communication skills, have a great imagination, engage in learning
activities be an advocate and last but not least…put the children first! There are so many more things that we
can say but by keeping those key components in mind you will be able to nurture and help yourself, just as
you have nurtured the parents and children of your childcare center.
 This course has given me the key principles and web resources to carry on throughout my educational journey,
develop my professional identity and build on my portfolio. I have learned what it really means to be a
childcare advocate and provider within my career and forthcoming childcare center.
 I am now more aware of the symptoms of child abuse, the meaning of neglect and my state regulations on
child abuse and neglect (how to report it).
 In addition, I have also learned what it means to assist a parent and the importance of keeping them involved
within the child’s life and education
 I will take use of this knowledge, continue to educate myself and spread the word on how we can do better
within our communities and for our children. Attending one or more conference held by my chosen
organization will also be of great help and assistance

13.  Gardner, H. (1993b). Multiple intelligences: The theory in practice. New York: Basic Books.
 Follari, L. (2010). Foundations and best Practices in Early Childhood Education: History, theories, and
approaches to learning. Boston: Pearson.
 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/cb/cm2012.pdf
 http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/childwelfare/caregivers/choosingchildcare.shtml
 http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/howtoreport
 http://naeyc.org/getinvolved
 Owen, R. (1857/1999). The life of Robert Owen. In K. M. Paciorek & J. H. Munro (Eds.), Sources: Notable
selections in early childhood education (2nd ed.). Guilford, CT: Dushkin/McGraw-Hill.