Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

One deeply felt learning that I have assimilated from this program is to have a vision of excellence and this includes continuing on the path of professional development.  As teachers/caregivers of young children we must never stop striving to reach greater depths of understanding and knowledge and this takes commitment and caring for the children and families we serve and also our profession.                                                                                                 

The second sincerely held belief is to have a goal that inspires action and one of my greatest aspirations is for children to be given “a just world—a world that recognizes all people for the unique, fully human beings they are: a world where every child has equal access to the opportunities to become all he or she can be” (Derman-Sparks, 2010, p. 30).  Educators must keep growing in our understanding of diversity, equity and social justice and confront biases and inequalities that devalue others.  Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and part of our responsibilities as teachers of young children is to teach them to live in a pluralistic world and it begins with educators being “outstanding models for children of how people can honor each other’s differences and get along” (Gonzalez-Mena, 2008, p. 6).                                                             

The third is the importance of our vocation.  “There is no profession in the world that directly or indirectly touches the lives of people at the same level as teachers do” (Boutte, 2008, p. 166).  As educators we need to have a more in depth awareness of the issues that affect the children and families we serve.  It is time to fully address the needs of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds and build a sense of future for all children.   “Early childhood programs have the potential for producing positive and lasting effects on children, but this potential will not be achieved unless more attention is paid to ensuring that all programs meet the highest standards of quality” (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2013, para. 14). Comprehensive services that respect differences, supports health and nutrition as well as social and emotional well-being must be provided to make an impact for children.   My long-term goal is to continue in my professional development as I strive to receive a degree as an Education Specialist in Early Childhood and from there the next step of Doctor of Education in Early Childhood.                                                                                                                                                         

I am heartened by what I have witnessed and learned from my professors and fellow colleagues at Walden University.  Walden has provided an important foundation upon which to build and continue my progress as an early childhood educator.  The decision we have made to grow in our professional development in order to provide high-quality care and education is one of the most important that we can make for children, communities and society as a whole.   I have learned a great deal from this course of study especially in regard to collaboration.  Dr. Dartt, I sincerely thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge and your feedback has been invaluable.  My desire for all of you my Fellow Colleagues is that your career in early childhood will be more fulfilling that you ever dreamed possible and your purpose, passion and vision are realized as we help children on their incredible developmental journey to greater learning. 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead  

References

Boutte, G. (2008). Beyond the illusion of diversity: How early childhood teachers can promote social justice. Social Studies, 99(4), 165--173. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201360_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6164/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/Boutte2008.pdf

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2008). Diversity in early care and education: Honoring differences (5^th ed.). New York: NY: McGraw-Hill

Mead, M. (n.d.). Margaret Meade quotes. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61107.Margaret_Mead