“Children are the
world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”
John F. Kennedy
I was so scared when I started this program
and now I am excited and nervous in completing this program. I want to say
"Thank you" to all of the Professors at Walden University for their
continued guidance and support throughout this time. I want to say "Thank you”
all of the classmates that I have shared this time with over the past two
years. I look forward to the next chapter of my life looking forward to giving
the same support and guidance to early childhood professionals that I have
received.
This project has been a lifelong journey. In
the past few weeks, it is the end of this chapter of my journey and the
beginning of a new. There are many issues of concern in early childhood. In
trying to meet the challenges, my focus is on professional development. In
preparing educators to meet the needs of the children, will influence child
outcomes in the future. A well-trained, knowledgeable workforce is an essential
part of quality early care and education (ECE) program. Most state and local
policies require minimal credentials, and the in-service training provided to
teachers may do little to advance their knowledge and practice at any point in
their careers (National Institute Early Education, n.d.).
I am drawn to
professional preparation and ongoing professional development (PD) in the early
childhood education it is essential to providing high-quality services to
children and families. Professional
Development is the continued learning and support activities designed to
prepare individuals for work with young children and their families. It is
ongoing experiences to enhance early childhood professionals in their work.
These experiences lead to growth and improvements in the knowledge, skills,
practices, and dispositions of professionals. Professional development
encompasses education, training, and technical assistance (NAEYC, 2011).
My professional short term goal is to take the
information and knowledge gained from my capstone project and implement it this
fall with staff. My long term goal is to retire.
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're
at the beginning of something else” Fred
Rogers
National Association Education Young Children (2011) Early childhood education professional development: training and technical assistance glossary. http://www.naeyc.org/. Retrieved May 10, 2014, from http://www.naeyc.org/GlossaryTraining_TA.pdf
National Institute for Early Childhood Research (n.d.) Critical Issues in Early Childhood Professional Development. Retrieved from http://nieer.org/publications/critical-issues-early-childhood-professional-development
Hello Joy,
ReplyDeleteI think we share the same enthusiasm to pursue professional development always. It will be difficult to meet all the new core competencies different states are emphasizing if we dont keep up with professional developments. Thanks for sharing and best wishes in your future endeavor
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI agree as well. The act of having professional development is to gain new concepts and ideas in order to use them in your own practice. I feel that all educators should attend conferences, leadership programs, and mentorship programs so that each individual can gain these new core concepts and apply them to their life and their community. I wish you much success in your educational profession!
Adrea
Joy,
ReplyDeleteI liked what you said when stating that a well trained knowledgeable workforce is an essential part of a quality early care care and education program. I believe that after completing this program, you are both well trained and knowledgeable and will be a great asset for any EC program. I wish you much success and know that your future will be even more brighter than your past. I too agree with your long term goal in that I wish to retire. ;-) All the best to you.
Hi Joy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of your personal stories and experiences with all of us over the past two years. Your words have been a great help throughout this journey. I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.
-Beau