Research Paper On Preschool Philosophies

As a child, I would image what my life would be like when I became a teacher. In this paper I will explore different developmentally appropriate approaching philosophies, theories, and concepts when teaching math, reading, science and the fine arts to young children across a developmental curriculum. Having to gain knowledge from the early childhood text helped me to create what I consider to be the perfect classroom plan. Preschool education is very important because this is their first experience towards twelve years of grade school. The knowledge they gather will increase as they grow and development.

The center actively reflects the diversity that makes communities rich and complex, open to diversity and continuous improvement, it values the importance of play-based programs. All of our high-quality programs are based on current research and are planned by our experienced and qualified early childhood staff. The play-based programs provide a wide range of active and meaningful experiences that incorporate choice for children while enabling them to experience many of the educational elements that are important at school. These include developing understandings about:

As early childhood educators we all have our own philosophies and approaches to education. There are several types of early childhood programs. Each program has its own philosophies, methods, and program goals. Every early childhood educator is unique making each early childhood program experience special. Consistently, early childhood programs offer educational foundations that prepare young students for their educational futures. In this paper I will focus on comparing and contrasting two programs that stood out to me, Ridgeline Montessori and the Whitaker Head Start.

We believe all children are unique individuals who are capable of learning in an inclusive setting that meets and recognizes the various needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles of each child. We provide stimulating and challenging experiences that promote physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development through our play-based child care program. This way of learning promotes developing problem solving, curiosity, self-help, and discovery to help develop the growth of self-image.

My philosophy of Early childhood education is based on research that indicates that a child’s growth is developmental. Every child is unique in terms of life experiences, developmental readiness, and cultural heritage. A high quality early childhood program that provides a safe and nurturing environment, which promotes physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive development will ensure a positive continuation of the child’s education process

I believe that as an early childhood educator my goal will be to promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child. I also believe that play should be the base of learning since children learn best by doing. I believe that a balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated activities is essential balance can be developed by using the developmentally appropriate practice approach, which means that activities should be “appropriate for each child and relevant to the child’s ability, needs and interests, also including the child’s family and being respectful to the child’s culture.

Early childhood is a time full of curiosity, exploration, creativity, excitement, and rapid development. During these formative years, children develop attitudes about education that remain with them for the rest of their lives (Kostelnik, Soderman, & Whiren, 2011). High quality early childhood education programs and highly effective, passionate teachers or care providers will not only promote young children’s development and academic achievement but will also foster a lifelong passion for learning. ECE programs and educators utilize learning centers to contribute to young children’s acquisition of literacy, numeracy, creative thinking, problem solving, and motor skills as well as a number of other skills and knowledge (Jarrett, 2010).

My interview with Katelyn has allowed me to see the experiences an early childhood educator goes through on a daily basis. Her interview has shown me that there’s a lot that goes into early childhood programs, but just watching the children learn and explore is the greatest feeling in the world. As well, there are a lot of factors that go into teaching in an early childhood program. As well as asking her questions about her experience as an early childhood educator, I was able to ask her questions pertaining the three articles I have read. For the first article, “Play in Early Childhood Education,” we discuss the importance of play, and I asked her if she thinks early childhood programs should include more play time in their curriculum? She

Preschools are an important part of many children’s lives. They not only help children to grow academically by getting them ready for elementary school but they also provide opportunities for them to develop cognitive and social skills as well. Since the preschool years are ones of rapid growth both physically and mentally, it is essential for preschools to have a well-rounded program that supports every facet of a child’s development. In this essay, we will develop a preschool for ages three to five based on the child development theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, and other notable developmentalists.

“Play is developmentally appropriate for primary-age children and can provide them with opportunities that enrich the learning experience” (Copple & Bredekamp 2009). Early childhood education holds two main focuses; a child-based focus and a family-based focus. Early childhood education has positive outcomes on the child through their learning experiences, and their growth and development. Based on the family, the results of early education happen through the communication that the family has with the educators and by the encouragement they get from within themselves, and also from the educators.

The goal behind obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education is to become a competent, effective teacher. In order to do this I must be well prepared, this starts with my Lesson Plan. As the common saying goes if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail however, in the education system it is not just preparing but preparing in a developmentally appropriate manner. I must cater to my student individual, cultural and developmental needs in order to help their development and growth. I can only do this by being effective in my planning. Therefore I must including their learning style, needs and interest. I must take into consideration how they learn so I must have hand-on activities; where the child can participate and discover, doing so they will build their own knowledge. I must be effective in my plans therefore; it

A preschool facility in our society is always striving to enhance learning in all students. Parents want the best for their children. To incorporate learning for infants and toddlers, that will be a daycare that will be in high demand; from a business stand point. Offering curriculum that has been proven to enhance learning from just six weeks old is a paradise for parents. Many accredited daycares that incorporate infants and toddlers focus on gross motor skill exercises, fine motor skill training, and language development to nurture budding speakers

I was wearing a pair of overall shorts with a purple short sleeved shirt underneath. My hair was pulled up in a high, tight ponytail and my bangs were combed down to the top of my eyebrows. It was my first day of preschool and I was extremely excited about it. I loved preschool. I loved George the monkey, the chicks we had in the corner, the loft, the tire swing in the back, snack breaks, and apparently Nathaniel.

As an early childhood professional, I take pride in educating and caring for young children. My preferred teaching style includes taking on a hands-on, active approach to teaching and learning. Every day brings new opportunities for me to learn with and about young learners and their families. My teaching style is impacted by information gained from young children’s home life and communities. My students are engaged and motivated to learn in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment that enables them to freely explore their environments.

Ogunyemi and Ragpot defined constructivism and created criteria using Bertram and Pascal’s principles discussing the needs and challenges of developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum practices including community involvement; and Mahoney’s five elements of the constructivist paradigm. Definitions of play from the constructivist paradigm are presented as “avenues to construct knowledge” (Ogunyemi & Ragpot, 2015, p. 1), “primary engine” (p. 1), and as developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). When the curriculum designs learning activities using purposeful play, play becomes work in the early childhood setting. The challenges of implementing the constructivist’s use of DAP play activies in the Nigerian and South African early childhood setting include “poor quality of training for child caregivers/teachers, low capacity for collaboration at the family and community levels and policy gap in cost–benefit analysis and quality control” (Ogunyemi & Ragpot, 2015, p. 5). They conclude that it is vital to use playful learning as best practices. Therefore, a major curriculum change; training for both professional teachers and community members; and provision of funding for play rich environments are the neccarcary tasks for an effective preschool program.