Caring for children is integral to who I am; I thoroughly enjoy it. Small children are optimistic and have an incredible desire to learn constantly. Just as I strive to teach children and to encourage them to learn, they also teach me a great deal, every day. In developing my own philosophy, certain areas need to be taken into account. Among others, these include: quality childcare, inclusion, partnership with parents, and value of play. These four elements encompass much of what is central to the childcare profession.
Quality child care should focus on the individuality of each child. Children deserve to be in an environment which lets them develop according to their own pace. I believe that within a childcare setting, activities should be arranged to encourage a holistically positive sense of self for the child. Every interaction with a child should be positive, even if dealing with negative behaviour. Children should encouraged to develop their social skills such as manners and conversation, as well as cognitive and physical skills. By addressing the holistic needs of the child, a childcare setting can help that child to grow in every area of his life. Children should be treated respectfully and with dignity at all times. In turn, children should be taught to respect both other children and adults, and to behave with respect towards them at all times.
Inclusion is vital in any childcare setting. According to the University of Guelph Childcare and Learning Centre website (2011): “Inclusion is defined as meaning that all children can attend and benefit from the same child care programs.” Every child is special and every child is able to learn and, therefore, all should be included within a childcare setting. Children with special needs should actively participate in activities, and not be side-lined at any point. All children should be encouraged to form friendships with each other.
Childcare provide an excellent resource to parents. However, care givers are not the child’s primary caregiver and the relationship between the child and parents is undoubtedly the most important. Within childcare, a partnership with parents is crucial in ensuring the child is happy and settled, and that he is getting the most out of his childcare. Parents and child carers should communicate constantly and work together to encourage the child to develop in all areas of his life. Parents should be encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s childcare, and should be kept constantly informed and up-to-date through whatever means is appropriate, for example with communication diaries, or informal conversations at the beginning and end of the day.
I place a strong emphasis on the value of play. A child chooses to play because it brings pleasure, and this is why children will not continue a game if it is not fun or if they have become bored with it. Play is absolutely crucial to children as it also provides opportunity for learning. Through games, children can experiment, discover and create, and can also socialise. It is good for children to play both alone and with others, and to have opportunities to do both if they wish to do so.
Through exploring the four areas of quality childcare, inclusion, partnership with parents, and the value of play, I can clearly see where my philosophy lies. Caring for children is central to my identity, and I hope to continue to positively affect children in my care for many years to come.
References
Gray, P. (2008). The Value of Play I: The Definition of Play Provides Clues to Its Purposes.
Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-
learn/200811/the-value-play-i-the-definition-play-provides-clues-its-purposes
University of Guelph Childcare and Learning Centre. (2011). Inclusion. Retrieved from
https://gw.micro-
acces.com/uoguelph/Publique/PagePersonnelle.aspx?SectionId=7&No=12
