My Thoughts

As an Early Childhood Education (ECE) student and an independent childcare provider (ICP), I am eager to share my learning journey. From completing assignments to gaining hands-on experience within the field, I have found insightful knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education. Through this portfolio and blog series, I aim to share both my academic and hands-on insights within the profession.

In 2007, a significant milestone was reached in Ontario, Canada by the establishment of The Early Childhood Educators Act. This legislation properly recognized the professionalism and expertise that is required to work in the field of Early Childhood Education. The Colleges of ECE was founded, in 2008 after nearly 20 years of educators lobbying to be recognized as a recognized profession. Due to the perseverance of those educators, we now have an established set of standards that anyone working in the profession must adhere to. Even before the establishment of the Colleges of ECE, Early Childhood Educators have been dedicated to high standards of care, well-being and holistic development of children. Today, these standards of practice and the code of ethics are vital to the success of every educator, guiding us through the roles and responsibilities of the field. 

As a mother, I believe that the relationships formed between children, families and caregivers are essential for the holistic development and well-being of a child. These relationships are the foundation for children to develop strong social skills, build resilience and feel safe to express themselves. I have seen firsthand how secure attachments help children feel valued, respected and understood.

Early Childhood Educators can gain insight into a child's development through various observational techniques. During my career as a childcare provider and ECE student. I have learned about and implemented many of these and have found I prefer some over others. 

Pedagogical Documentation is rooted in the practice of reflection. It helps foster holistic development within children and provides opportunities for educators and families to collaborate and form responsive relationships. Understanding how children learn, is a fundamental practice for an ECE. It is essential to recognize that learning is a journey that ebbs and flows beyond just the exchange of information. It encompasses the whole being, including creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving. Through the use of pedagogical documentation educators can gain valuable insight into the whole child. 

Supporting a child's development goes beyond teaching and instruction, an important role tasked to an early childhood educator is to create a rich environment that nurtures, a child's sense of wonder, exploration, belonging and safety. Based on my experiences working in childcare, education, research, and reflective practice, I want to share what I have learned about the effects of the learning environment on a child's development and well-being. 

As early childhood educators (ECEs), one of our responsibilities is to prepare and implement enriching experiences and provocations to stimulate young minds and support their development. Despite the variety of approaches and schools of thought, it's crucial to consistently align our planning with the Pedagogy Framework of Ontario to support a cohesive approach to nurturing children's growth and development. 

I invite you to join me on a journey through the assignments that have impacted my knowledge, and understanding and challenged my perspectives which helped shape my curiosity, development and growth as an Educator. 

Since I started my home daycare in July of 2023, I have found myself exploring and researching different topics relating to the field of Early Childhood Education. These interests go beyond the coursework and relate to what I have witnessed and experienced in direct relation to the children I care for in my home. 

As I look toward my future, I am excited to further my education as I move through my career. The first educational goal I have is to finish my ECE and to apply to the colleges of ECE. I have many ideas and goals for my future, I want to become a great educator and resource for my community. In order to to that I want to further my knowledge in any way that I can, I am particularly drawn to programs that will help my community as a whole.

     The Impact of the Nature in Early Education