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As the final course at Walden
University draws to a close, I find it a bit surreal that we have reached the
end of this chapter of our learning. This Capstone Course has synthesized many
learnings from this entire program, and has shown me the realities of what we
now have the tools to do as far as affecting positive social change on local,
state, or even national levels.
- I have learned the crucial value of understanding children and families’ unique identities, and how these must be nurtured and supported in early childhood programs.
- I have learned that there is no reason we should expect to work alone. There are many individuals and groups that share my passion for working with young children, and to work with others is a way to expand my own knowledge and skill-set.
- Working in the field of early childhood means to remain ethical and hold strong to the values I have discovered I have. We have a power over the field to influence change, and thus influence the lives of children and families. This is a serious thing, that we should be mindful of how our every action and inaction reflect on our profession and the lives we touch.
One long-term goal I have is to
instill the importance of building relationships between families and
educational programs. I see myself continuing my role as an educator in an
elementary school setting for several more years, so I wish to create
partnerships between classroom teachers, community resources, and families, to
mirror those that exist in the early learning programs. This is indeed a
long-term goal, as to create this change requires slowly breaking down the
barriers in communicating with one another between discipline areas (without
breaking FERPA, of course), and getting the school district administration
onboard.
The connections I have made with
colleagues and Dr. Teri have been priceless. I wish everyone the best- continue
to learn and achieve your hopes and goals! We have learned a lot together and
from one another.
Below is my inspiration: My niece,
Charlotte, is only 18 months old. She came to visit my classroom when her
mother (my twin) had spring break (she is also a teacher). Charlotte had never
seen any of my students before, or been in my classroom, yet the moment she
entered she climbed into the chair of a desk and got “right to work” with my 5th
grade students. My hope for her is that she always feels this confident in who
she is- that she holds onto that self that is continuously developing. She is a
girl, she is American, she is Spanish, she is well-loved, she is smart, she is
capable, she both simply and complexly IS.
