Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Time Well Spent

Our passion to create a safe and nurturing environment for children may stem from what we can recall to having or lacking from our own childhood (Laureate Education, 2011). As early childhood educators we are continuously growing and learning more about both the children and ourselves (Laureate Education, 2011). This journey has taught me so much about me as a professional and helping me to become more of what I am and what I would like to become, such as:
1.   Leadership roles have a great influence on the team as a whole. A leader’s influence can determine the strength, support, or respect of the team. It is up to the leader to build that foundation of trust can positively impact how productive the end will be.
2.   Being aware of cultural awareness and biases are very important in creating our classroom environment. We may understand how important it is for us to have diversity within the classroom but we may not understand how we ourselves may have different perspectives of a family which can result in have false perceptions of them. We must observe and analyze our own behaviors towards others in order to create an anti-bias environment.
3.   Having a Community of Practice is a necessity. Having the commitment of others together as a team promotes more success and dedication towards a goal.
Consequently, I will like to continue my long-term goal of owning and operating Successful Beginnings Childcare Center. This has been my dream for more than 10 years but I have been afraid to pursue it. I would like to have a child development center that understand how important it is to educate children at the preschool ages and also an environment where parents can feel at ease while leaving their children.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for sharing your experiences, thoughts, and creative criticism which all served as a support system to me. Also to all my instructors who pushed me to be greater. Even though we have never met one another physically, I feel that we all share a special bond because we have spent two years with one another in which we have shared things that we have gone through in our lives. I think that we all serve as a great community of practice that I hope we will all continue to support one another and I thank God for putting each and every one of you ladies in my life. We made it and I know that we all will do great things.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reference
Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). [Video Profile]. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6990/01/mm/ec_pres/index.html

4 comments:

  1. You stated some very thoughtful things. When people say that you are only as good as your leader that is true. Walden has taught me that my team will be a reflection of me. If I am happy at work, they will be as well. However, if I am miserable I will be too. Also, I want to leave with being very impressed with your words about me. I think that you came very close to knowing me. I wish you the very best in all that you do and good luck in your future endeavors.

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  2. Erika,
    I think owning and operating a child care facility is an admirable goal. From what I have read and seen I am sure that you have what it takes to be successful. I wish wish you all the best in all that you choose to do. I absolutely love the quote you included. Education is the only way to plan for a lifetime. I have never read this quote before, but I will be using it in the future. Thanks again! Congratulations!

    Lauren Sumner

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  3. Erika,
    Your experience at Walden has given you the knowledge and foundation you need to draw closer to your dream of owning and operating your own child development center. Your perspective about leaderships being strong, respectful, and supportive will certainly help you to build a team of caring professionals to work with the children in your care. Best wishes as you pursue your dreams! I have enjoyed sharing passions and professionalism with you throughout our course.
    Carol

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  4. Erika
    You have accomplished a major goal and because of this I am sure you will achieve your goal of opening up your day care. It took me 14 years to start my Master's and it was because of fear something I had to work hard to overcome. Think of your day care as weeks in your Masters program and take it one day at a time.

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