Conclusion
The first 5 years in childhood are the most significant in terms of development. Early childhood is a critical time and the experiences a child has in these formative years play a pivotal role in preparing the child for future success. It is essential that educators and other key stakeholders such as parents, schools and governing bodies recognise the integral role that early childhood education plays in life long learning. Although this places increasing pressure on Early Childhood Educators many of the challenges that we face as a profession can be overcome by working together as a whole to educate others.
Additionally educators must reflect on their own teaching methods and build a new framework for thinking, one that advocates for the rights of children and ensures children are given voice, rights, choice and power within curriculum decision-making. While teaching traditional skills such as reading, writing and numeracy is still important educators must also recognise the importance of developing dispositions for learning and life skills, which will help learners, become a productive citizens in the future. |
As a society it is imperative that we support the needs learners after all they are our future! |
What will I do to help overcome the challenges I will face as an early childhood educator?
- I will work collaboratively with others in my industry to promote play as an accepted pedagogy.
- I will support the view of the child as being capable and confident and this will be reflected in my interactions and planning.
- I will take the time to critically reflect on all aspects of the pedagogy and practice
In relation to children I will:
- Honour children's right to play, as both a process and context for learning.
- Acknowledge children as competent learners, and build active communities of engagement and inquiry.
In relation to communities I will:
- Utilise knowledge and research to advocate for universal access to a range of high-quality early childhood programs for all children.
- Work to promote community understanding of how children learn in order that appropriate systems of assessment and reporting are used to benefit children.
In relation to myself as a professional I will:
- Base my work on contemporary perspectives on research, theory, content knowledge, high quality early childhood practices and my understandings of the children and families with whom I work.
- Regard myself as a learner who undertakes reflection, critical self-study, continuing professional development and engages with contemporary theory and practice