"Our paramount responsibility is toprovide care and education in settings that are safe, healthy, nurturing, and responsive for each child. We are committed to supporting children’s development and learning; respecting individual differences; and helping children learn to live, play, and work cooperatively" (NAEYC, 2005).
As a Family Child Care Provider, I have a great responsibility to ensure we provide a warm safe, and nurturing environment for children to strive to their fullest potential. Children should be able to explore and discover freely as they play and learn. Children should be respected and treated as the unique individuals that they are. Through assessments, observations and individual interaction, I am able to discover their talents, interests and skills so that I can plan developmental appropriate activitities and lessons to help them develop physically, cognitively, emotional/socially and linguistically.
Like the children, we have the responsiblity of ensuring we respect the families, regardless of income, race, gender, language, culture, educational level, home location, familly structure and values. I learn a lot about the child when I establish a relationship with the family. Communication is important because we want to keep all parties informed about the needs of the child. All the while, I respect confidentiality. Parents are aware they can discuss matters regarding their children and family so that we can work together. I can provide resources, support and information that they may need.
"Because the family and the early childhood practitioner have a common interest in the child’s well-being, we acknowledge a primary responsibility to bring about communication, cooperation, and collaboration between the home and early childhood program in ways that enhance the child’s development" (NAEYC, 2005).
Speaking of resources, our community provides valuable information for all parties. I understand it is my responsiblity to become involved to make our community a better place for the children and their families. I keep in contact with Child Care Resource and Referral agency, Public Library, Parks-n-Recs, Organizations such as First Steps, Low Country United Way and so on to help address issues and gain expertise. The community helps us find services needed by the children and families.
"Our responsibilities to the community are to provide programs that meet the diverse needs of families, to cooperate with agencies and professions that share the responsibility for children, to assist families in gaining access to those agencies and allied professionals, and to assist in the development of community programs that are needed but not currently available" (NAEYC, 2005).
Similiar to NAEYC code of ethics, The Division of Early Childhood focuses on the enhancement of children & family quality of lives and family centered practices.These ethics support the needs of children with disabilities and their families. In addition, professional development and preparatation is critical when providing sevices for the children and family.
I make great strides in ensuring I receive desired amount of trainig, if not more, through DSS and other organizations. The field of Early Childhood is constantly changing and I feel it is important to learn new theories and practices to help support the needs of all children, exceptional children, family and community.
"Professional Development and Preparation is critical to providing the most effective services for young children with disabilities and their families" (DEC, 2000).
Through family centered practices, again we value and respect the child and their families. Parents of children with disabilities are the greatest source. Again working together can help us all establish goals and help the child succeed and meet those goals with or without special education.
With a child with disability, it is important to be a voice for him and oversee that he receives the best possible help he can to be successful. Like my son, I am a voice for many other children. Enhancement of children's and families quality of life informs us to respect and honor the child and families. We should do the best we can in improving the developmental needs of the child.
Reference:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/
Hi Rhonda! I admire your dedication to providing a safe, productive environment for the children in your care. Thanks for being a wonderful role model, leader and childcare advocate!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda! This is the last week of class. Everytime I open your blog, I feel like I'm in wonderland. Your blog is so colorful, full of flavor and shares a lot of information. This blog is one resource that I hope to use throughout this program. Thank You for being a good role model to all children. Thank You for sharing your family history and your experiences in the early childhood field. I hope that you continue to be successful in the early childhood field!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tiffany for the comments.
ReplyDeleteI have greatly enjoyed visiting your blog. I agree with Tiffany about your blog being colorful and full of flavor. It is nice to share information with someone who has had very similar experiences growing up (got to love being a military brat). I hope to see you in future classes and wish you the best in whatever the future may bring your way.
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