As a child, I have fond memories of sitting at the edge of our old well making mud pies. My mother often let me go to the garden to add some vegetables such as green beans or corn. I was really proud of my creations while my sensory, fine motor, and cognitive skills were developing. I believe in offering children opportunities and experiences to expand their knowledge in growth and development. A personal philosophy is a critical analysis of one’s assumption or fundamental beliefs. A philosophy consists of personal values proceeded by a statement by which one person lives and strongly believes. When children acquire ownership through their creations, they learn to love new experiences. These experiences will stimulate the child’s passion to learn new things.
My Philosophy…. I believe Quality Child Care is a program that is developed to meet the needs of young children and foster them through the Early Childhood years. Quality Child Care is a commitment to provide an environment where a child’s growth is supported and enhanced with learning experiences in all areas. It is vital to embrace each child as a unique person with individual timings of social, emotional, physical, and intellectual developments. My role as an early childhood professional is to help children be successful. I believe in a “expanding their horizon” approach to learning and that children learn through play. I agree with the quote by Dr. Hiam Ginnot: “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression” (Ginnott). Children develop positive self Image concepts through encouragement, autonomy, and teacher directed activities. It is important to provide each child opportunities for creative self expression and exploration. These opportunities are a balance of solitary, group, and provider directed activities. It is so amazing when teaching a child and experiencing the difference made by giving extra opportunities.
A child that I encountered truly touched my heart. I will refer to her as “my friend.” The three year old child was enrolled in my program in August of 2008 through July of 2009. When I spoke to her, she responded with baby babble. I worked with this child everyday on language skills. I started out communicating to her with sign language and saw a drastic drop in her frustration level. I was in awe at the progress, changes, and transformations taking place. By expanding her horizons through communication skills she was able to blossom. Her eyes began to sparkle at her accomplishments. One day my friend came with two roses behind her back and said;” Happy Valentines: I Love you.” The child left my program speaking five to seven word sentences. Children are like little sponges when they have the chance to learn.
Children learn at an early age. Children can learn through endless opportunities that we provide. It is important for children to work with an Early Childhood professional who is sensitive, compassionate, strong, and dedicated. I think it is important to be aware of each individual child’s special interests and build upon them. It is my desire to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment in which children will grow. The early years are a child’s learning years: let’s make them count.