Friday, October 26, 2012

Hopes and Goals for Early Childhood


             My one hope for programs working with children and families from diverse backgrounds would be that all people accept and respect each other and to celebrate both the similarities and the differences that each brings.  I am not sure if this can ever be accomplished because there is a need in all cultures for one group to hold power over another group.  However, I can do my part to honor each person for where they are when they enter our program by modeling acceptance, trust and respect.  We have so much that we can learn from each other.  I have seen this through my interactions with people in the class as well as at work.


               A goal that I would have for the Early Childhood field might be that all early childhood professionals have a better understanding of culture-both surface and deep- in order to meet the individual needs of the children and families in our care (Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J.O., 2010, p. 56).  By taking the time to better understand the culture of the children and families, we, as educators, can intentionally plan the curriculum to meet the variety of needs for the children in our classrooms.  It can also help to prevent microaggressions against people whose beliefs are different from that of our own culture (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  We can also help others to appreciate and celebrate the different gifts that each person brings to the classroom.  Lessons can be learned by gleaning the best from every culture and using the ideas to further early childhood education for all.
               I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about diversity and equity in this class.  In the process I have learned a great deal about myself and the issues facing others in the early childhood field.  Thank you for your willingness to share your strategies and struggles as we continue to grow through the Master’s Program.  Sadly, I will miss the next course because I was involved in a serious car accident so I must complete the papers I have missed.  I look forward to reading your discussions from weeks 6-7 and your blog posts as well.  I hope that our paths will cross again so that we can continue to learn from each other.
References
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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer) (2010). Microaggressions in Every Day Life. Baltimore, MD:                                                  Walden University

3 comments:

  1. Hi Carol, I missed your discussion posts over the period of week 6 and 7. Now I know why you were unable to post. I am sorry to hear about your accident, and wish you full and speedy recovery. I am glad that you will be able to take time to complete your course work, and hopefully we'll run across each other again. Your professionalism and the seriousness with which you take your work is an asset to the whole Early Childhood community. Stay in touch.

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  2. I too missed you the past two weeks. I am sorry to hear about the accident. I wish you well and look forward to sharing more classes with you in the future.

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  3. Hi Carol,
    I have really enjoyed reading your post! Sorry to hear about your accident and I pray your strength and recovery. Good luck in the future with your classes and I would like to thank you and other colleagues for your support, comments and opinions.

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