My Educational Philosophy

I believe that the early years are a special time for growth and development for children. There are a wide variety of factors that contribute to a child’s development such as the developmentally appropriateness of a program, certain environmental conditions, the managing of their fundamental needs and the role of their teachers in the classroom. As educators, we must respect each child and help meet their fundamental needs in order to provide them with the best opportunities to explore and fulfill their potentials.

Developmentally appropriate practices are teaching children by matching their practices with what we know about their development. It is important for educational professionals to be well trained with the knowledge of how children develop and strategies to help reach each child’s full potential along with theoretical framework for his or her work. Teachers must be familiar with the social and cultural context within which children are being raised. Teachers must respect the emerging abilities of young children without imposing inappropriate expectations. We must understand that each child learns differently and that we should provide differentiated instruction, several different activities to tap into each child’s unique way of thinking and understanding concepts.

There are certain environmental conditions that help to develop the child’s full potential and also to prevent social, emotional, and mental disturbances. Essential environmental conditions include: adequate food, shelter and clothing, air and water, and a temperature allowing for safety and comfort. Children need to be provided with responsible supervision, and prevention and elimination of illnesses, disease, and injury. With these conditions in consideration, there are more opportunities for each child’s growth.

Children learn best in an environment that promises learning. A good environment is safe and orderly, contains a wide variety of stimulating equipment and materials, and is organized into learning centers. A good environment communicates to the children that they are in a good place and that the people care about them. Such environments satisfy each child’s desire to learn and act on their curiosity.

Children learn best when their fundamental needs are met. Some of these include: security, love, respect, safety, freedom to explore actively, communication, pride, confidence, and competence, and the opportunity to enjoy life through play and recreation. Children need to feel secure and loved, to be accepted and respected as individuals. They need to be protected against physical, moral, and social hazards. They need to be provided medical attention and prevention against disease and illness. They need to be given the opportunity to explore the world through their senses. Allow children to explore freely and to interact with other children. Provide opportunities for children to develop their communication skills through language, art, music, and science. Children gain independence and develop self-confidences by gradually learning how to handle problems and how to deal with relationships with other people. Children enjoy playing spontaneously. It is important to give children the opportunity to have experiences that will allow them to engage in their interests and to better understand the world in which they live.

Educators need to be given the same quality respect that they are expected to provide the children. The education professional needs to be more than just a kind, and loving person who likes children. I believe that a good teacher respects childhood and strives to preserve and celebrate it. A good teacher is sensitive and understanding when it comes to the emotional, social, and cognitive needs of the children in his or her care. They have the ability to anticipate and plan, problem solving skills, and are able to facilitate social interactions, parent-child separation, and parent-family involvement. They care unconditionally not just for the child but for the whole family.