2. Personal Thought…
Every teacher will have an unique philosophy on
early childhood education, but our goals are mostly
the same. Educators want to help children succeed
academically, emotionally, physically, and socially.
The following is my philosophy to date. But there will
be ideas and events that I will come across as I begin
teaching that will change my views on certain things.
So, I vow to allow my mind to stay open to changing
my ideas and philosophy as I see fit along my journey
of becoming an effective teacher.
3. GOALS
I believe that the goal of early
childhood education is to support
and advance children's physical,
social, emotional, and cognitive
development in a safe and nurturing
environment.
4. PURPOSE
I believe that the purpose of early
childhood education is to build a
strong foundation for our children to
be able to grow emotionally, socially,
and academically.
5. STUDENTS’ NEEDS
All children have certain
learning and
developmental needs.
These needs should be
determined individually.
By individually
determining each
students needs, an
educator is able to
continuously help each
child’s development.
6. EFFECTIVE TEACHING
I believe that effective teaching is tailored to the needs
of each child when every student shows improvement
and success inside the classroom. An effective teacher
can see the potential for every child and works hard to
help each child progress using certain lessons and
activities.
7. RESPONSIBLITY
I believe that early childhood
education is the responsibility
of the student’s parents, the
community, and the
educators, because students
need support at home, in
public, and in the classroom.
After the students feel they
have that support and
encouragement, they will be
able to take responsibility in
their education as well.
8. FAMILIES
I believe that the early childhood
learning environment is supportive of a
child's home when educators and
families have a collaborative
relationship. Educators can do many
activities to encourage students’
families to take part in their child’s
education.
9. MY PHILOSOPHY
Early childhood education teaches young children the foundation for social,
emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The purpose for early childhood education is to
help children reach their full potential by giving them support, while challenging them to be
creative and innovative.
An effective educator is able to identify each students’ learning and developmental
needs. By identifying these needs, educators can create an environment where students will be
able to thrive while they learn. Children learn by watching, listening, and doing. Some children
might have different needs then the next, so it is important educators focus on understanding
these needs so they are able to support and challenge each student appropriately.
Our children need a strong support system inside and outside of the classroom. A
collaborative relationship between students, families, and educators is imperative to success.
Keeping everyone informed of a child’s progress and weaknesses will provide a better
understanding of what the parents and teachers can do to help the student.
While supporting each student, an educator should also allow self-directed learning.
This will give students the responsibility in their own learning. When a child feels they have
some control, they feel empowered and begin to relish their new responsibilities. We all know
kids want to be “grown-ups.” Giving them certain responsibilities in the classroom and at home
will help them develop accountability, which is important to learn at a young age.
I also believe in the importance of teaching 21st Century Skills to young children.
These life and learning skills will help students as they continue to grow into adults. This
includes social and cross-cultural skills, leadership and responsibility skills, initiative and self-
direction skills, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. Children are never too young
to learn these skills; and it will be productive to learn them in an early childhood education
setting.
My ideas are simple and my love for children is strong. I plan to do everything I can
to continue to learn how I can better help each student. I will never get “stuck in my ways.”
Like I said before, I vow to allow my mind to stay open to changing my ideas and philosophy as I
see fit along my journey of becoming an effective teacher.