Time Well Spent!!!!

I have had the most amazing experience from enrolling in Waldens Masters Program for Early Childhood Studies. The specialization of Teaching and Diversity is a direct reflection of who I am and what I stand for! There are three deep felt learnings that I recieved from this program and will take with me throughout me professional developement. I have learned that I must conform to the fact that the minority will soon be the majority and it is up to me to ensure that I am the idividual that embraces this factor.

I have learned that it is so important to understand the concepts and true meaning of my biases, beliefs, values, and true meaning of my support circle. I have developed a support circle that I now rely on to better help me identify with my biases and discomforts concerning the children that dwell within my community in order to advocate positive change in the early childhood field. I have learned and adopted Derman-Sparks’ quote that states, “Understanding these dynamics in your life will strengthen your awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy for the personal and social identity development of the children and families I serve” (Derman-Sparks, 2010, pg. 23). This statement stands true to all of the families that I interact with on a daily basis in both my facility and my community as well. My long term goals include: I will strive to work harder to improve my communication and listening skills in order to ensure that I foster the well-being of young children and in working with families in order to be more pertinent in my success. As an early childhood professional, I have always believed that our profession has to be defined, and it is critical to demand quality/excellence in respect to all early childhood teachers and other professionals in the field. I will continue to conduct research on the ever-changing realities of expectations and professional development in the early childhood field.

 To all of my colleagues and Dr. Darragh, Thank you for all of the knowledge, wisdom, and life experiences that you have shared! I have learned an abundance from each and every one of you! I can honestly say I am a better early childhood professional because of you! Good luck in all of your future endeavors and I hope to see you in Orlando, Florida in January!