Bitter-Sweet End to EDUC 6005
I am so happy we have all finished our first course. I am looking forward to the short break ahead before we again must embark on new classes and meet our new found best friend, the APA Manual again. However, I am quite sad to be saying goodbye to the friends I have gained during this course...
To my colleagues in EDUC 6005 I will truly miss you all. It was a fun-filled experience learning with and from all of you. I wish you all the best in all your endeavours. I am looking forward to reading your names in future articles when you become well-known leaders in the field. Take care everyone.
Hoping to see you next semester!
- Elizabeth
Code of Ethics
For this week, we were tasked to read through the Codes of Ethics of the NAEYC and DEC. Among the ideals I was able to find a few ideals that I find truly meaningful to me personally and professionally.
a) NAEYC Ideal I-1.9
To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.
I found this ideal very parallel to DEC's 4th principle under Professional Practice-Professional and Interpersonal Behavior.
We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of lives.
These two are very close to my heart as I have a brother with special needs who had to go to special school and had to receive specialized services. I realized from experience the importance of access to quality program for the development of the child and his whole family as well. This is actually the reason why I also enrolled in MA Education major in Special Education a couple of years ago.
Professionally, I will try to continue to refer children with disabilities and their families to to quality programs I know in the country. I also hope to continue to be a resource for these families and the future teachers I teach in college.
b) NAEYC Ideal I-2.1
To be familiar with the knowledge base related to working effectively with families and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
This is why I decided to pursue a post-graduate degree. I believe that educators should never stop learning. As educators we are also supposed to look at our students and families under our care as consumers, worthy to receive and benefit from the most current of information. I also chose this ideal as it is truly my dream to start a Parenting Readiness Program for families. Hopefully I will get to do this one day (and it will only be effective if I continually seek new ideas and information).
c) NAEYC Ideal I-4.4
To work through education, research and advocacy toward a society in which all young children have access to high-quality early childhood care and education program.
This ideal spoke to me because I believe that I still lack research skills which is very important. To be a better advocate, I think that being grounded in research is essential. I then plan to work on this through my courses at Walden, reading research articles and perhaps finding a mentor who can teach me.
d) DEC - 6th Principle in Professional Practice:Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children's development and learning.
I like this ideal as it gives focus on individualization in the program. I believe that individualizing the curricula to fit each child is a developmentally appropriate practice and should be done for children with special needs and typically developing children as well. I think that it is a right of a child to receive the most appropriate program for him or her. As a preschool teacher, I try very hard to modify the curriculum for each of my students. Yes, it is more tedious but worth the while.
