Everybody is a Learner
Everybody is a Learner
The staff, families, and children are seen as teachers and learners in high-quality early childhood programs. The only way this culture can be created is through strong program leadership. When new staff enter these programs, they participate in and embrace the culture of being a guide and a co-learner.
In a program that builds up its teaching staff, intentional efforts are made to discover each educator’s strengths. Program leaders encourage the continued growth and sharing of these strengths. Intentional effort also goes into identifying areas where an educator struggles. A plan is created to assist the teachers as they improve these areas. No excuses are made when resources are limited. The goal is to help the teacher improve.
The best program leaders create a program based on honesty and respect for individuality. As a leader, they model and encourage reflective practices. They make time for teachers to ask for help and guidance, along with time to share the growth that they have made. Programs that embrace the whole teacher understand a teacher’s struggles while seeing them as their potential.
In high-quality programs, families are encouraged to share their insights and perspectives. They encourage families to ask questions without feeling judged. These programs make every effort to view the families as experts on their children. They understand that information is power, and the more we connect with the families, the better they will understand the children in their care.
In genuinely child-centered programs, each child is seen as a teacher and a learner from birth. There is an understanding that children are competent and absolutely capable of guiding their learning. Teachers in these programs pay close attention to viewing each child as an individual (who is part of a community of learners.) Every effort is made to create opportunities for each child to learn at their own pace while honoring their interests.
Questions for Reflective Practitioners:
What have you learned recently from a child?
What do you need/want to know more about to become a more skilled and knowledgeable educator?
What are your strengths as an early childhood professional?
What challenges you? What would you like to do better?
What have you learned recently from a teaching peer?
What have you learned recently from a family in your program?
What are some challenges that you are ready to face?
