Ea rly Childhood Competencies1. Promoting Child Development and Learning

1.7 Knows of and has the ability to support cognitive development including persistence and curiosity, problem-solving, attention and memory, and perception and concepts.

Evidence 1:

Educational Psychology, EDU 3020, 2011, Johnson State College, JSC Transcript

Description:

This course introduces the major theories as they apply to education, human development, and human needs. It covers educational terminology, language, and methodologies relevant to the educational field. Given the basis of introductory knowledge, students will learn, reflect and apply principles of best practice in structuring learning opportunities for all students.

Analysis/Reflection:

This course covered theories of psychology and how research in education has impacted the role of cognitive, social, and moral development. I learned in depth how sensory experiences and providing an enriched environment can expand a child’s persistence and curiosity. In my program I encourage many problem-solving activities, and centers such as a science area to promote a child’s innate sense of perception and problem-solving skills. All children identify their surroundings and objects through their senses, and providing these enriched environments promotes attention and memory retention. We explore many sensory materials in the sensory table such as water, sand, water marbles, foam, bubbles, bird seed, and many others. Our science area transforms monthly into life-science activities such as the life cycles of frogs, butterflies, chickens, praying mantis's and many other nature themed explorations.

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Evidence 2:

Human Growth Development, PSY 1050, Community College of Vermont, 2004, CCV Transcript

Description:

This course provides a study of human growth and development throughout the life cycle including physical, cognitive, linguistic, ethical and psychosocial dimensions. It also focuses on areas to identify and discuss issues in human growth and development arising from differences in gender, race, and class.

Analysis/Reflection:

Throughout this course we discussed how the human body develops through the lifespan from infancy, childhood, and adolescence, to adulthood and aging. We covered areas of physical and cognitive development, and emotional and social development. I learned appropriate behavioral expectations and developmental tasks associated with each stage of development. Being in the field of early childhood education for many years, I encourage problem solving and curiosity with the children. I am always asking the children "why", "how", and "what do you think" open ended questions for the children to think and come up with their own conclusions instead of myself as a teacher giving them the answer. Supporting each child's curiosity and encouraging them to think supports cognitive development.

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Evidence 3:

Foundations of Well-Being for Infants and Toddlers: Workshop, 2012, 4 hours, Professional Development Certificate

Description:

This four hour workshop focuses on the earliest stages of development, highlighting recent research in brain development, to set the stage for optimal growth and emotional well-being. It provides an overview of the ARC framework and Dr. Bruce Perry’s work on supporting healthy development and using effective strategies for creating thriving environments for young children. This workshop covered ages birth through 3 years.

Analysis/Reflection:

This workshop allowed me to revisit the foundation of the earliest stages of development in young children. It covered approaches to cognitive development, play and learning, emotional and social development, health and physical development, and language development and communication. In understanding the concepts in this workshop, I know there is not "one" method of teaching. I know every child learns and grows in their own individual way in terms of curiosity and problem solving mindset. I provide enriched age appropriate materials and activities for each child in my program. These activities include time for free play and exploration as well as guided discovery of manipulatives, learning materials and outdoor play.

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