Reflecting on Personal Values, Beliefs, and Assumptions in Early Childhood Education

QUESTION

Overview
After completing your work on Lesson 2: Partnerships with Families Begin with You in the Module Exploration, write a reflection detailing what you learned about yourself as a result of the presentation and articles. Be very specific, using examples from your own life experiences.

Instructions
The personal values, beliefs, and assumptions reflection paper is your opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in the first objective of this module: “Examine personal values, beliefs, and assumptions and their influence on partnerships with families.” If you work through the questions and Stop and Jot opportunities in Lesson 2: Partnerships with Families Begin with You in the Module Exploration, as well as read the article , “The impact of values on parenting: Reflections in a “scientific” age,” you will have gotten some new insight into your own values, beliefs and assumptions and where they come from. If you take the time to reflect on those values, beliefs, and assumptions, you will be able to see how they have a direct effect on your professional practice in working with children. It is always a bit unnerving to take a look at ourselves and our own practices, but it is absolutely necessary for the field of Early Childhood Education. We must be cognizant of why we think and act as we do. Perhaps some of what we do needs altering. Perhaps we are making some assumptions that are not accurate or fair to others. Perhaps we will be more open-minded and tolerant of differences in values, beliefs, and assumptions if we know the origin of ours and can figure out why all people do not see the nurturing of children in the same way.

After completing the Module Exploration and the article mentioned above, take time to think about what you learned about yourself. Look at the notes you made during the exploration. Reflect on your practice and the origins of your values, beliefs, and assumptions.
Write a paper (the depth of the content is much more important than the length of the paper) describing what you learned about yourself through this presentation and article. Write the paper in the first person (I…).
Include personal, specific examples to illustrate your thinking. Use at least 3 personal examples to earn the maximum number of points in this category.
Include responses to the following 3 guiding questions in your reflection. Do not list the questions and then write an answer to it. Use the questions to guide you in your reflection and answer them in the body of your reflection.
What did this assignment help you realize about your own practices based on your values, beliefs, and assumptions?
Do you have friends or relatives with different values, beliefs, and assumptions? If so, how do you maintain a relationship with them despite your differences?
What will you do if a family you are working with does not share some of your values, beliefs or assumptions?
Check your document for correct grammar, spelling, and formatting.
Compare your completed document to the grading rubric that will be used to grade it. Be sure you have included everything necessary for maximum points.

wed links
https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-early-childhood-education/supporting-development/reflecting-on-our-reactions-and-responses-to-childrens-behavior.html
https://media.ccconline.org/ccco/2019Master/ECE111/The_Impact_of_Values_on_Parenting.pdf

more info if you look it up
Reflection: The First Step for Addressing Bias in Infant and Toddler Programs
Rocking & Rolling: SuppoRTiNG INfANTS, ToddlERS, ANd THEiR FAMiliES
Partnering with Families of Children with Special Needs
Intentionally Thoughtful Family Engagement in Early Childhood Education
Discussing Diverse Perspectives on Guidance
Enhancing Practice with Infants and Toddlers from Diverse Language and Cultural Backgrounds

ANSWER

Reflecting on Personal Values, Beliefs, and Assumptions in Early Childhood Education

Introduction

Engaging in self-reflection and exploring personal values, beliefs, and assumptions is a vital process for educators in the field of Early Childhood Education. Through the Module Exploration on Partnerships with Families and the article, “The impact of values on parenting: Reflections in a ‘scientific’ age,” I have gained valuable insights into my own perspectives and how they influence my professional practice. In this reflection, I will discuss what I have learned about myself through this presentation and article, providing personal examples to illustrate my thinking.

Realization about Personal Practices

This assignment has helped me recognize the significant influence of my values, beliefs, and assumptions on my daily practices in working with children and families. By engaging in the Stop and Jot opportunities and reflecting on the questions posed in the Module Exploration, I gained new insights into the origins and underlying principles guiding my approaches to teaching and interacting with families. For example, I realized that my strong belief in the power of collaborative partnerships with families stems from my own childhood experiences. Growing up, my parents were actively involved in my education, and I witnessed the positive impact it had on my development. This belief has shaped my commitment to fostering meaningful connections with families in my professional practice.

Having Friends or Relatives with Different Values

In my personal life, I have friends and relatives who hold diverse values, beliefs, and assumptions. Despite our differences, I maintain relationships with them by practicing open-mindedness, respect, and effective communication. It is essential to approach these relationships with empathy, acknowledging that our unique perspectives are shaped by our backgrounds and experiences. By actively listening and seeking to understand their viewpoints, I have learned to appreciate the richness that diversity brings to our interactions. These relationships have taught me the importance of being open to different perspectives and challenging my own assumptions.

Working with Families with Different Values

In the field of Early Childhood Education, it is inevitable that I will encounter families who do not share some of my values, beliefs, or assumptions. When faced with such situations, I believe it is crucial to prioritize respect, understanding, and cultural sensitivity. I will strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that respects the diverse backgrounds and values of each family. Effective communication and active listening will be key in building strong partnerships, fostering collaboration, and finding common ground. If conflicts arise due to differing values or beliefs, I will approach them with an open mind, seeking to understand the underlying motivations and working towards finding solutions that honor both the family’s perspectives and the well-being of the child.

Conclusion

Engaging in self-reflection and exploring personal values, beliefs, and assumptions have been transformative experiences in my journey as an Early Childhood Education professional. Through the Module Exploration and the article, I have gained valuable insights into the origins and influence of my own perspectives. This reflection has highlighted the importance of being aware of my values, beliefs, and assumptions, and how they impact my interactions with children and families. By embracing diversity, practicing empathy, and fostering collaborative partnerships, I am committed to providing inclusive and culturally responsive care and education to young children. This reflection has reinforced my dedication to continual self-reflection and growth in my professional practice.