Division of Early Childhood (DEC)
II. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATION
We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services
III. RESPONSIVE FAMILY CENTERED PRACTICE
Responsive Family Centered Practice
We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families’ beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture relative to their nurturance and support of their children toward achieving meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families’ desire for themselves and their children
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
CORE VALUE
Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect
These aspects of DEC and NAEYC that stood out to me the most in regards to my professional life. Education, as of late, has been a large component of my professional goals and even my personal goals because I realized how much I enjoy learning about ECE.
With the passion I have for mentoring and coaching early childhood professionals, there's no way DEC's commitment to PD isn't part of my list. We know the benefits of PD and mentoring are improved skills, practice, disposition and knowledge in the field. This has been a huge focus for me personally and professionally.
After reading about the cultural insensitive incident in South Carolina and reading that article about cultural responsive practices, I've been more aware of the importance of acceptance and inclusion. Inclusion has always been a big part of my advocacy in ECE, but I feel like inclusion is used too narrowly. It's not just about respecting, providing and appreciating the difference in children and youth needs, it's also about the "respect and appreciation for all families’ beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture ".
Building healthy, respectful and caring relationships with the children and families we serve are highly important. We all know how important the relationships we form are to the healthy development of the children we serve. I know that the time I take to get to know the children and youth in the program is going to only aid their growth and development.
Supporting families and developing relationship with colleagues, families and children are important in helping to meet the needs of the families were serve. Reading you blog, I can sense your passions regards to inclusion and building relationships.
ReplyDeleteAlecia
Hello Amy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog I also agree with you supporting our children and families through the acceptance of inclusion and providing educators with the proper skills is the first step into progress.
Paola
I think both ECE and NAEYC have outlined a great foundation for professionals to do right by the children and families that we serve. It is up to us all to do our very best and I feel as the the principles and ethics that both these organizations have set forward only scratch the surface. There is so much more to be done in regards to the welfare and care for our children.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I also agree with supporting the family and understanding their differences. We are very diverse and therefore should respect other's beliefs and culture. You also mentioned to support and mentor new professionals. I've heard the more experienced professionals tell others that wanted to get into the ECE field not to do it. I feel they should uphold them in their profession and offer their support. Thanks for including that one in your posting.
Angela