Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education: History, Theories and Approaches to Learning, 2 nd Edition © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Bringing It All Together: Imagining and Becoming Chapter 12

Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 2 nd Edition Follari © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Beginning the Journey Carefully consider theories and approaches from across history and around the world to craft your own vision of exemplary early care and education Continually reflect on your own experience and practice as well as researched innovations

Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 2 nd Edition Follari © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Guiding Principles — Respect At the heart of teaching is a respect for working with people — children, families, colleagues, community Embrace the rich diversity of each member of your classroom community Use your resources to enhance your teaching

Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 2 nd Edition Follari © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Enthusiasm Think about the qualities that made lasting impressions on you as a student — caring, energy, commitment Being genuinely interested in your work keeps it fresh for you and engaging for your children Be willing to try new things, make mistakes, and try again

Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 2 nd Edition Follari © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Professionalism The field continues to evolve, grow, and positively impact countless young lives. Your role is to make a difference in children’s and families’ lives, but also to contribute to the evolution of the field as a whole.

Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 2 nd Edition Follari © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk Through your studies you learn about foundational theories and find inspiration in various practices Being a professional is also about articulating and sharing your professionalism Use your portfolio to guide how you present yourself as a professional educator

Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 2 nd Edition Follari © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Creating a Professional Portfolio Consider aligning with a national association’s standards (NAEYC, NCATE, INTASC for example) Be clear and specific about your influences and professional goals (Use text content to integrate key theoretical ideals and practical applications.)

Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 2 nd Edition Follari © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Possible Portfolio Contents Philosophy statement Autobiography Goals statement Photos Activities from your own classes Brochure, workshop outline Research paper Resume References Work samples Lessons with reflections Project webs, charts Stories Family resources Child study/observations