My vision for working with children is to provide a safe and nurturing place for children to participate in a wide range of experiences that assists the child in their social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. My practice in working with children would demonstrate a sincere and ethical caring for the child while promoting what is best for their health and well-being along with the promotion of building strong and principled relationships with their families.
I believe that children need to have a sense of belonging to feel fully confident to explore their learning, feelings and thoughts. It is in a supported and caring environment of family, educators and community a child has the opportunity to become a well-adjusted member of society.
“Whoever touches the life of a child, touches the most sensitive part of a whole which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the infinite future.” ~ Maria Montessori
I see my greatest strengths with children to be as follows:
- Patience.
- Enthusiasm and stamina for working with young children.
- Respect for children and families and their differences.
I envision the early learning environment as a place that is stimulating and developmentally appropriate for the age of the child. The environment is a space that provokes a child’s sense of wonder and thinking. It is space for children to feel safe to explore, experiment, develop their ideas and test their theories through play.
“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and stars above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and the flowers on earth. They will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of real education.” ~ David Polis
I see children as active, capable and creative learners. They are to be respected, nurtured and listened to. Giving a child lots of love and attention, no matter what a child’s age, are important ways to show a child they matter. In interacting with a child by talking, listening and playing with the child he or she will grow to feeling special and important. In participating in a nurturing and a respectful relationship one learns more about a child’s interests and skills – understanding the whole child.
“Your image of the child is where teaching begins.” ~ Loris Malaguzzi
 I view children’s families to be of a great influence on a child’s foundation of values, experiences and learning. Families are an important influence in a child’s life as they depend on to have their needs met, act as role models in how to act and how to experience the world around them. By nurturing and teaching children in their early years they play an important role by positively influencing their development and learning giving them the best opportunities to thrive.
“Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent.” Bob Keeshan
I suspect that cultural diversity will be represented in the forms of race, religion, ethnicity, language, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, and socio-economic status and it will be respected by others. It is important to recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our own. In learning and interacting with others, despite our differences, we can build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures working towards building a just society and a better world for all.
“We are each burdened with prejudice; against the poor or the rich, the smart or the slow, the gaunt or the obese. It is natural to develop prejudices. It is noble to rise above them.” ~ Author Unknown
I envision my colleagues to be honest, respectful, trustworthy, patient, responsible, well-organized, good communicators and listeners and LOVE caring for children. My colleagues would be ones that care deeply about the development and education of children. Every interaction between co-workers, children and families would be conducted ethically and with the upmost integrity. I believe, these traits are the foundation to a positive and long-lasting love of early learning for the children, their families and team-mates.
Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.
-Helen Keller