October 26, 2011
To all my colleagues,
As my first course toward my MSECS comes to an end, I want to thank my colleagues for all the support you provided throughout the past seven weeks. I must admit, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the technolgy those first couple weeks. Thank you for helping me through it. Also, thank you for sharing your personal philosophies, your personal web, favorite book and quote. I really feel as though I have gained a new circle of professional colleagues in addition to all the new knowledge. I look forward to moving forward with all of you.
Judi
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Meaningful Elements of the NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics
October 20, 2011
As I reviewed the NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics, the statements that were most meaningful to me focused on accepting the uniqueness of each child and family and building on that uniqueness to encourage success, partnering with families to understand the needs of the child and working collaboratively with colleagues to best meet the needs of the children and families we serve. An ideal from the NAEYC Code (I-1.3) states "To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential of each child." Applying this to the work we do is very important. Our world is diverse in many ways. Each child brings to our classroom an individual gift of their traditions, values and accepted behaviors. As early childhood professionals , it is our job to embrace this gift. The DEC Code has a very similar statement that also addresses our behavior toward this diversity stating that we shall be respectful and appreciate " the unique value and human potential of each child." Incorporating this in every relevant decision I make as an administrator is crucial.
The second statement (I-2.4) that was meaningfull to me related to families, The NAEYC Code very specifically addresses our responsibility " to listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strengths and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children." I believe this is the foundation for building a relationship with parents that is an important component in the success of the child. The DEC Code also addresses the importance of family engagement. From its beginning, Head Start has placed a strong importance on family involvement. It is a key element of the program that prepares the parents to be an advocate for their child as they enter the school system.
The third statement (I-4.2) I hold in high regard addresses our ability cooperate with our colleagues to move forward on issues directly related to the children and families we serve- "To promote cooperation among professionals and agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals concerned with addressing issues in the health, education and well-being of young children, their families and their early childhood educators." The DEC Code also stresses the importance of respectful collaboration. I truly believe it is the combined efforts of many that are necessary to accomplish the work to be done for children and families in our complex world.
I feel that following the standards established in both the NAEYC Code and the DEC Code is not an option but rather a requirement to maintain the high level of professionalism that all that all early childhood professionals should strive for.
As I reviewed the NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics, the statements that were most meaningful to me focused on accepting the uniqueness of each child and family and building on that uniqueness to encourage success, partnering with families to understand the needs of the child and working collaboratively with colleagues to best meet the needs of the children and families we serve. An ideal from the NAEYC Code (I-1.3) states "To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential of each child." Applying this to the work we do is very important. Our world is diverse in many ways. Each child brings to our classroom an individual gift of their traditions, values and accepted behaviors. As early childhood professionals , it is our job to embrace this gift. The DEC Code has a very similar statement that also addresses our behavior toward this diversity stating that we shall be respectful and appreciate " the unique value and human potential of each child." Incorporating this in every relevant decision I make as an administrator is crucial.
The second statement (I-2.4) that was meaningfull to me related to families, The NAEYC Code very specifically addresses our responsibility " to listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strengths and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children." I believe this is the foundation for building a relationship with parents that is an important component in the success of the child. The DEC Code also addresses the importance of family engagement. From its beginning, Head Start has placed a strong importance on family involvement. It is a key element of the program that prepares the parents to be an advocate for their child as they enter the school system.
The third statement (I-4.2) I hold in high regard addresses our ability cooperate with our colleagues to move forward on issues directly related to the children and families we serve- "To promote cooperation among professionals and agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals concerned with addressing issues in the health, education and well-being of young children, their families and their early childhood educators." The DEC Code also stresses the importance of respectful collaboration. I truly believe it is the combined efforts of many that are necessary to accomplish the work to be done for children and families in our complex world.
I feel that following the standards established in both the NAEYC Code and the DEC Code is not an option but rather a requirement to maintain the high level of professionalism that all that all early childhood professionals should strive for.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
So Many Resources
October 4, 2011
As I began to research what is really out there in terms of Early Childhood resources it became clear to me that the list was almost never ending! I created a new section on my blog to begin developing a useful list. In addition to the resources I used for the Week 5 assignment, I included several resources I use on a regular basis. The Office of Head Start is very generous in providing publications and books on a regular basis. A comprehensive web site is kept up to date and is a good way to remain current with information specific to Head Start. I find the following resources very helpful:
NHSA Dialogue- A Research to Practice Journal for the Early Intervention Field
Early Childhood learning and knowledge Center web site- http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc
Exchange- The Early Childhood Leaders Magazine.
In our ever changing field, having access to up to date research is critical. Building a comprehensive list of a variety of sources of information will certainly make it easier to be informed.
As I began to research what is really out there in terms of Early Childhood resources it became clear to me that the list was almost never ending! I created a new section on my blog to begin developing a useful list. In addition to the resources I used for the Week 5 assignment, I included several resources I use on a regular basis. The Office of Head Start is very generous in providing publications and books on a regular basis. A comprehensive web site is kept up to date and is a good way to remain current with information specific to Head Start. I find the following resources very helpful:
NHSA Dialogue- A Research to Practice Journal for the Early Intervention Field
Early Childhood learning and knowledge Center web site- http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc
Exchange- The Early Childhood Leaders Magazine.
In our ever changing field, having access to up to date research is critical. Building a comprehensive list of a variety of sources of information will certainly make it easier to be informed.
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