Time Well Spent

It is indeed a great feat to have successfully completed my M.S. in Early Childhood Studies.  My initial thoughts regarding pursuing this course was one of concern because no one from my country was enrolled in this course and my experiences with courses was of such that collegial support goes a long way in ensuring that one succeeds in these programs. However, at Walden that support was available so it made my journey quite comfortable.

Among the deeply felt learning derived are issues concerning young children and families, diversity, advocacy and professional growth.

The issue of diversity has been brought into sharper focus.  I have gained a deeper understanding of diversity.  I have been able to deal with many of my biases to ensure that all children succeed.  A person’s biases to a great extent are cultural in nature and many of these develop early in life (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).  I have been able to adopt an open perspective to ensure that children and families flourish.  There is need to embrace a culturally relevant pedagogy as well as critical pedagogy that will investigate injustices in race, class, gender and sexual orientation (Hyland, 2010).  Diversity makes for a rich tapestry and as such I view it as healthy and embrace all children’s culture. Ola noted that diversity embraces our uniqueness (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  There is need to honor all people.  Young children must be visible in the classroom so that they will be motivated to the extent that they will achieve their fullest potential.

 This program has definitely helped to enhance my advocacy efforts.  I realize that as an early childhood professional there is need to speak out on behalf of children, families and the field at large.  This is necessary to bring awareness to importance of early childhood years, children’s development, quality education and a host of other issues that impact on children’s development.  By so doing, I acquire greater self-confidence and I am even more encouraged to pursue greater issues pertaining to the field of early childhood.

 Professional growth is also necessary in order to remain relevant if information is constantly changing.  Being part of a community of practice is very vital.  The rate at which information is changing encourages me to remain align with other professionals to enhance our level of professionalism.  Being part of a community of practice definitely helps in that regard but it is also important to join a professionally association where issues of a global nature are addressed. 

 One of my long term goals is to work with the official on my island - Tobago to ensure that the quality of early childhood care and education improves. 

 To my instructor and colleagues I must say it has been a very intense journey.  You have been very supportive to me along this journey.  The level of respectful collaboration that has been the hallmark of this course has allowed me to contribute fully to the various discussions and assisted me to gain a greater understanding of the various contents.  I am more empowered for having been a part of this great program and endowed with a variety of skills that will allow me to make valuable contributions to the field.  I can be reached at: evlynjames@hotmail.com.  It has been a life changing experience from which I will deduct absolutely nothing because it has strengthened my resolve to soar in life.

References

 Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Merging Vision, Passion and Practice  [Video recording]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

 Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Hyland, N. E. (2010). Social justice in early childhood classrooms: What the research tells us. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 82–87. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the ProQuest Central database: http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/197637742?accountid=14872