NAEYC
I-1.7—To use assessment information to understand and
support children’s development and learning, to support instruction, and to
identify children who may need additional services.
I have worked with children with special needs for three
years. I have learned a great deal about
what to look for when trying to decide if they need additional services. I have a better understanding of all of the
many resources and options available to these children. All children develop differently. Some children cannot make certain connections
and are not able to perform in the same ways as their peers.
I-1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language,
ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program.
Every child is special in many different ways. It is important to appreciate each child’s culture
and background. When I used to teach
preschool, I would always incorporate the cultures of different students. I would always celebrate Chinese New Year and
Cinco de Mayo. Acknowledging the
different cultures made those children feel more welcome and appreciated. It was also very beneficial in teaching the
other students about new and different things.
I-2.2—To develop
relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we
serve.
As professionals, it is part of our job to communicate and
involve families. Children need a strong
and positive support system. Teachers
and families can share sources and ideas.
The more those involved in a child’s life build a positive relationship,
the more the child will succeed.
Families need to feel just as welcomed.
I am constantly in contact with the families of the children I am
involved with. I send home daily
communication pages that tell about the student’s day and it there were any
issues that came up that day. Every
parent has my personal email and cell phone number and are well aware that they
can contact me at any time with questions or concerns.
DEC
Responsive
Family Centered Practices
6. We shall respect families’ rights to choose or refuse
early childhood special education or related services.
This is another issue that is a significant part of my
current professional position. Special
education can be very extensive or rather minimal. I have seen how it affects children and their
families. Having a child that needs
special education services can be very difficult for some families to
accept. Often times, it takes parents a
lot of thinking and weighing pros and cons before committing one way or the
other. It is important to make families
aware of the services that are available and give them all of the information
they need to make the proper decision. I
need to be respectful of whatever decision they make and allow them room to
change their minds if they are not happy with their decision.
References:
Article: NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and
statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
Article: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August).
Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI love the ideals that you chose and how they have been a part of your professional life. I especially love the one form DEC. I think that being sensitive to a families rights about special education or other related services is very important when building trust and rapport with them. I have personally had to talk with a family about their child's need for one on one care and a school that could cater to his needs. It was hard to discuss because they were very emotional, it took at least another month of discussing this and writing anectdotal notes and conferencing for them to come to terms with his needs. Once they came to grips with this they found a suitable school for him to attend and when we talk they realize that it was the best decision for him.
I also agree that a families' culture and language should be considered and incorporated into the classroom. It makes a child feel more familiar which could make him feel more safe. I think that incorporating traditions and holidays into your classroom that correlate to the child's culture shows the family that you respect them.
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI also chose I-1.7. I believe it is a huge part of my job to understand and support children's development to make sure all children get the education that they need. I never want to miss out on an opportunity to help a child be successful.
Courtney
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed getting to know you a little through this course. I hope that we can continue to stay in touch and learn more as we go through the program together. I respect your work that you do for your population. Good luck with everything.
Take care,
Jennifer