I-1.2
—To base program practices upon current knowledge
and research in the field of early childhood
education, child development, and related disciplines,
as well as on particular knowledge of each child.and
I-1.5
—To create and maintain safe and healthy settings
that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and
physical development and that respect their dignity
and their contributions.These ideals mean a lot to me because as a former child development teacher I witnessed a lot of older adults operating based off of "old" knowledge and not reaching the potential of the child. All teachers need to stay current on research and really get to know their children. They need to know the likes and dislikes of the child . As a teacher I know where my kids will excel and where they will fall behind. I know when to answer a question and when to let them figure it out. I know which behaviors to ignore and let the child self correct, and which ones need immediate correction and consequences. Being an educator means knowing everything; your students should think "my teacher knows everything". Teachers also need to give respect first in the hopes of gaining it from their students instead of demanding it and hoping that the students will earn their respect. Teachers have to nurture firmly and respectfully, and help students achieve instead of down playing the small successful moments along the way.
