Personal Professional Philosophy

I believe that young children learn best through play. Play-based learning allows
children to develop at varying rates, learning happens through process, and children are
naturally curious and creative. Play-based learning allows the child to be an active
participant in learning which allows them to express their interests, creative thinking and
their imagination while learning. Children can express their ideas through art, music,
dramatic play, and storytelling.
My role as a teacher is to support a child’s intellectual and social growth.
Learning is a social process that is based on trust, respect and encouragement. I am an
observer, supporter, a guide that brings wisdom and thoughtfulness to each child’s
unique way of learning. As a teacher my role is to help each child learn to self-regulate,
have freedom to make choices, and to be curious. It’s also important for me to provide a
loving, nurturing environment in which each child feels safe and loved.
The environment in which young children explore and learn needs to be
developmentally appropriate and allow for hands on discoveries and investigations
throughout their day. Children learn through play and need a variety of hands-on
experiences to allow for learning. Children need sensory, social-emotional, cognitive,
large & small motor, and play-based activities that support their developmental level.
Having an environment where the children have ownership and one that’s self-directed
and self-paced allows for a positive, enjoyable, learning experience. Children need
opportunities to be able to explore freely, ask questions, be independent and work as a
group while being hands-on within their learning environment.
I want to support each child in my care and give them the tools to be successful
little people. My hope is for them to become well-rounded children that have a love of
learning, feel positive about themselves, are considerate of others, sensitive, show
kindness to others, have self-confidence, try new things, are courteous, have self-
control, know how to resolve conflict peacefully, and stands up for their own rights.
When supporting a child’s social emotional development, it’s important for me to
have a classroom environment in which they feel safe, secure, loved and a sense of
belonging. As a teacher I want to set them up for success. It’s important that my
approach, attitude, and skills are emotionally supportive to the children and that I value
them as individuals and support them. Modeling healthy emotional expression and
supporting them as they build social skills and solve problems with others gives them
opportunities to build positive relationships with each other.
Building positive relationships with each child that is in my care as well as
building a positive relationship with their families helps me to build that important
foundation that is needed for them to be healthy members in the classroom, at home,
and in the community. Families help support their child’s development at home and
childcare. It’s important that routines are consistent between the two as this builds the
foundation for success. When we work together, children have a greater chance of
success, not just in daycare but throughout life. Communication between myself and
families allows for collaborative goal setting.