Running head: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

Early Childhood Education Philosophy

Alejandra Silva
College of Southern Idaho
Evin Fox
Foundations of Early Childhood
Spring 2015

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

Abstract
I was given the privilege to work with kindergartners fresh out of high school. I wasnt sure of
what I was doing, but I was motivated to learn. Sure enough as the years went on I gained
knowledge about working with kids and how to handle conflicts between peers. I took courses to
become a certified teacher assistant through a program in Nebraska. I was told that I was good
with children, but I had a lot of insecurities and doubted myself. The last past four years I have
been working with an amazing educator who is passionate about early childhood. She has been
part of making preschool enjoyable because she has helped me understand the way these children
learn. She has a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and ensures that children are
gaining skills, concepts, and learning to apply prior knowledge in different ways. She helped me
see the importance of effective play because this is the best way that children learn, not through
seated work and art projects. I have learned to love what I do and help aid children to gain
confidence so that the child can grow as a whole child, and love school.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

Early Childhood Education Philosophy

The Uniqueness of ECE
Early childhood education is a unique field because it serves children from birth to age
eight. I believe that effective early childhood educators should have their masters in Early
Childhood Education. Its important to be up to date with the research and studies to ensure that
the childs needs are being met and also to refine teacher skills and knowledge. Working with
young children seems to imply that preschool is babysitting or daycare. Reality is yes we are
consistently reminding children of what the expectations are but that is part of their nature. To
test and see what the outcome will be. Some of these children have never been around other
people outside their sociocultural and family, arent able to express themselves, or have weak
fine motor and large motor skills. Early childhood educators must show how the child is
developing in all areas that are social- emotional, cognitive, language, and physical domains.
Philosophies of Known Educators
There have been many well- known philosophers in ECE that have helped develop the
field. Some that I have enjoyed learning about are Maria Montessori and Jean Piaget from
readings in the Theories of Childhood (2013). Maria Montessori believed that children learn
through their inside and outside environment. That having child sized furniture would help
children gain confidence to do what was expected of them. That order and beauty helps children
take care of their environment and appreciate work that is beautiful. Jean Piaget believed that
childrens interactions with their environment create learning. Children learn while doing the
work and creating their own understanding of what is going on. His theory also was that the
teacher creates inquiries and supports the children while they explore to find the answer. He was

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

a believer of using play to learn. He believed that children go through stages in their cognitive
development.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Developmentally appropriate practice is understanding how children learn and develop
socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Sue Bredekamp (2014) states that:
Being able to teach to the age of the children, abilities, and interests but also enhance
their learning through challenging and have sustainable goals. Its important to know
where children are developmentally as an individual but also as a group because this will
help the teacher plan and organize the program and have an environment and materials
that are developmentally appropriate. This can be a difficult task because children come
in at different stages developmentally. The teacher should use different teaching strategies
to insure that children dont become frustrated or bored (p. 72).
For example; we have a boy in our class who was having a hard time remembering
colors. I notice that he loved the art area and seemed to be drawn to painting. I would comment
on his picture and the colors he used. The environment (classroom) was set up with proper
materials so he could explore colors in different settings. Also, just talking to him and making
sure to use colors (when appropriate) during conversation. We are in the middle of the school
year and he has made growth. With the repetitiveness and being able to play he was able to build
the connection in his brain that these colors have names and this is how we can use these names
in different ways and how my friends also use the same names for a certain color.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

Diversity
Culture helps shape and influence childrens development. Children are exposed to
cultural behavior and rules at a very young age even before entering ECE center. The teacher
needs to acknowledge and respect the childs upbringing. Also, to learn about the childs cultural
so misunderstandings are prevented. For example the child might know his colors but not an
English. The teacher should not mark him for not knowing his colors. The child does and should
be given credit that he/she can distinguish colors which can help with using colors in different
context. Not understanding the childs culture can lead to failure of childs achievements. As my
previous example the teacher might spend time in helping the child recognize colors, when she
should be focusing on other goals. This is ineffective teaching and hinders the childs growth.
Curriculum and Play in ECE
Sue Bredekamp mentions that curriculum is a plan that describes the goals of childrens
learning and development, and the learning experiences, materials, and teaching strategies that
are used to help children achieve their goals (p. 311, 2014). Play is very important for children
because they are in control. Depending on the age group, time of year, and topic the teacher will
set up the environment so play can be an effective learning experience. Children are learning in
different areas to master new skills or concepts. Also, they are learning to self-regulate and
socialize with other peers and adults. There are various roles available to the teacher to ensure
that play stays effective and doesnt become just playing super heroes.
Conclusion
Early Childhood Education has been influenced by many historical philosophers. Their
philosophies have impacted the current foundations of early childhood beliefs. Many of these

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

educators ideas are still being used today because they have shown to work. Throughout my
study in this class I can see that play is crucial to a young childs learning and development. As I
continue my journey of in Early Childhood Education I will be an effective advocate for young
children and the importance of having high quality early childhood programs.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

References
Bredekamp, S. (2014). Effective practices in earlychildhood education: builiding a foundation.
Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc
Mooney, G. C. (Ed.). (2013). Theories of children: An introduction to dewey montessori erikson
piaget & vygotsky (2nd ed.). St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.