A word of thanks!

What an incredible, life-changing, amazing journey this course has been!  I would like to take the time to say thank you to each of you, my colleagues in this field.  I want to thank you for holding me accountable by asking questions.  I appreciate all of your positive comments, as well as your encouragement.  Sometimes it is as if we are in this field all alone, but it is good to know that we are not!  Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas and resources.  Best wishes to each of you!  God bless you and your work with children!
Kristi

Code of Ethics Post

From NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

I-1.12 To work with families to provide a safe and smooth transition as children and families move from one program to the next.

I like the focus of including families in the transition of children to another program.  My school has done a great job of giving information to students, but I do not think we have adequately worked with parents.  Since I believe family involvement is so crucial, I think I will ask my principal if we can have a meeting with kindergarten teachers and parents to help prepare the families as well as the students.

I-3A.1—To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.

This week we were reminded in the video presentation that we should remember that our way is not the only way.  Although I envision myself as a team player, sometimes I need reminded that in listening to others ideas, I am building community and respect.  Relationships take time to build, but I have found that they are worth the effort!  If the interest of the children is at heart, I believe that this ideal is crucial.  Having a strong team is very important, I feel.  I think that refusal to participate in any conversations that are degrading to other co-workers is a way that I can enforce this ideal. 

From The Division for Early Childhood’s (DEC) Code of Ethics

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.

To say you respect a child is one thing; to actually demonstrate it is another.  I think this is a powerful reminder not to participate in those “over the head conversations” about a child when a child is present. (Never participating in this should be expected-children present or not!).  I have had substitutes discuss a child in terms that the child would not understand but was disrespectful nonetheless.  In this situation I have had to stop the remarks, and after the kids left discuss that this is unacceptable!  I think that recognizing each child’s potential is powerful!  To create an environment where this happens is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly.

Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives

3. We shall recognize and respect the dignity, diversity, and autonomy of the families and children we serve.

For me, this is huge.  I want to learn more about the families I serve so that I can respect the diversity of the families.  This gets me out of my comfort zone.  Again to me it all boils down to having the interest of the child at heart.  If I am to serve the child and family to my fullest potential I need to recognize these aspects and celebrate it!  Just because a child has a different family make-up or different ideas than I do, does not mean they are not as interested in their child.  This is ideal is an important reminder for me.  

Additional Resources

I posted a course resource page, and at the bottom of it I included these resources that I use in my classroom and resources of interest to me.

Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL)
http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
http://www.naccrra.org/

Dr. Jean-Songs and Activities for Young Children
http://www.drjean.org/

Journal:
Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP)
http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/

An interview with Edward Zigler:
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct07/vol65/num02/Giving-Intervention-a-Head-Start.aspx