Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/stranger-in-a-strange-land-an-early-childhood-educator-on-the-school-board/5018118/
I consider myself first and foremost an Early Childhood Educator. During my career of 30 years, I have worked in many aspects of this profession, but always with the goal of creating a better world for young children and their families �" this encompasses just about everyone! So I definitely look at the ‘big picture’ in my consideration of educational issues. I believe that a developmental approach is always best. Within the appropriate developmental parameters you can find the right challenges and rigor for a variety of learning styles. You also take into consideration the culture, language, and any contextual issues that impact the development of the learner. For better or for worse I find myself a developmentalist in a policy making position in what I hope are the waning days of this era of high stakes tests. How did I get here? I started paying attention to what my local district was doing in its child development programs. I suggest the readers of this article do the same in your home districts. You might be surprised at what is being done and planned for future implementation.Does your local school district offer Early Childhood Education and Child Development programs? Full day ...