An important part of being an educator is reflection. Reflection is a learning process through which you use your experiences and knowledge to guide you in the future. Each week you will have the opportunity to use your journal to reflect on the content you have learned in this course and throughout your degree program. Specifically, you will reflect on the connections you see between each case study and two to three topics from the Program Comprehensive Exam.
This week we will be focusing on leadership, professional knowledge and ethical practice. There are many elements in education that receive attention due to the controversies surrounding them (kindergarten readiness, play in preschool, curriculum approaches, technology in education, and universal pre-k). As a reflective practitioner, it is important to consider both sides and then form your beliefs using your knowledge and experiences.
Take a few minutes to think about how the case study addresses these topics. The questions below may spark some ideas regarding leadership, professional knowledge and ethical practice. You do not need to address all the questions; instead, write down your thoughts as they unfold.
Reflect on the following in your journal:
1. What is one prevalent issue in early childhood education today? Explain both sides of the debate regarding this issue.
2. What connections do you see between leadership, ethical practices, and professional knowledge regarding this debate?
3. How do you envision this issue impacting your future work with children?
4. Reflecting on the content presented in the case study, what are some areas where Mrs. Ashland faces adversity and must overcome challenges to meet the needs of her students and families? If you were facing similar challenges, how might you plan and proceed? Explain your thinking using justification, supporting details and critical thinking.
MUST be atleast 400 words in APA format!
Required Resources
1. Krogh, S. (2013). A Bridge to the Classroom and Early Care: ECE Capstone. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
- Chapter 7: Guiding Children's Behavior
- Chapter 8: A Positive Environment From Day One
1. Heald, S. & Zaur, J. (2013). ECE 430: Week 3 case study: Families. Ashford University, College of Education, San Diego, CA.
- In Case Study 3 you will meet the families of the six children in Mrs. Ashland's classroom and learn about a little about them. Each child's personality and development is explored further.
Recommended Resources
1. Bradford Petrie. (2009, September 14). Investing in the emotional and behavioral development of preschoolers [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4txcMjlzH8
- This video showcases a program that combines teacher training with in-class clinical consultation to support children's emotional and behavioral development in preschool.
1. Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (http://www.challengingbehavior.org/index.htm)
- The Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) presents the research that shows which practices improve the social-emotional outcomes for young children with, or at risk for, delays or disabilities and creates free products and resources to help decision-makers, caregivers, and service providers apply these best practices in the work they do every day.
ZERO TO THREE. (n.d.). Little kids, big questions: A parenting podcast series. Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/parenting-resources/podcast
This website houses a podcast series, Little Kids, Big Questions, addresses some of the most common (and challenging) issues facing parents of babies and toddlers.