My Philosophy

I believe that as an early childhood educator I am responsible for providing infants, toddlers and
young children with positive learning experiences. I strive to model respect, patience, and care
for children and adults I come in contact with. Children have the right to have their needs met
and receive the proper education while in the care of their caregivers.
I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating
atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is
my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing
an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three
elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment. These are: the teacher
acting as a guide, allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and promoting
respect for all things and all people.
My philosophy is based on theorists, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and the early childhood
movement from Reggio Emilia, Italy. I believe that children benefit from practices that are
grounded in research.
I believe the fundamental goal of teaching is to foster learning. Learning takes place in many
different circumstances and contexts. Although everyone is capable of learning, a student's desire
to learn is a vital pre-condition to effectively mastering new concepts and skills. Humans have
multiple learning styles: some learn best in lecture atmospheres, some are motivated by
discussion, and others absorb best when they read and reflect on what they have read. The
classroom setting can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of
each student. Accommodating different learning styles creates an atmosphere that is conducive to
learning. Students take many of their learning habits from the instructor. If the instructor doesn't
show interest in the subject and a passion for learning, students are less likely to put forth the
effort to learn in that class. An instructor must convince students of his or her knowledge and
expertise before they will show a willingness to learn.
I believe that respect for my students is one of the most important things I can show, not only to
encourage their openness to the material I am presenting, but also to inspire them to respect each
other and all other humans.
I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the
world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals.
I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and
nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and
embrace the differences between us, as the core of what makes life so fascinating.