Professional Goals, Hopes, and Dreams

“Cultivating mutually fulfilling professional relationships with colleagues is a process that provides opportunities to share hopes and dreams, brainstorm relevant questions, share information, and support each other in times of professional challenges” (Laureate, 2011).

Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared my thoughts about excellence and quality, professional and personal goals, and how each have an affect on early childhood education. I’ve realized that change isn’t a natural element of individual growth; but that part of the growth of any professional. I, as any person, will continue to change due to the circumstances in our environment; but we have to look beyond those challenges and explore new ideas, meet new people, and reflect on new experiences. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “We must become the change we want to see.”

Some issues that were raised and discussed over the last few weeks were the dynamics of concerns in our own communities. A few of these concerns were issues regarding quality and early childcare; and how educators and professionals are challenged with are language barriers, family accessibility to resources, and getting quality care for the families that have low income levels and are considered in poverty. In our county, Rockdale provides information and resources through the county’s Health Department as well as the DFCS (Department for Family and Children Services). These two departments provide classes for those that need English as a second language. They have translators for those that do not speak English, so that the needs of the families can be properly met.

With all the information researched and information gained throughout the last several weeks, it has allowed me to see my professional goals and aspirations in a new light. I now am inclined to want to do more to help those who aren’t able to get the high-quality child care they wish to attain. I “need to take more assertive steps” in terms of being a educational professional (Laureate, 2011). I’d like make available a varied of opportunities like hold ESL classes for those that wish to learn English as a second language. Provide workshops for families that are in need of services in accessing resources; and providing quality care for the inclusive, as well as the non-inclusive (Castle, 2009). I do, one day wish to own my own facility.

I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks. I look forward to exploring more options and organizations that will increase my knowledge as a person and professional in the early childhood educational field.

Resource:

Castle, K. (2009). What do early childhood professionals do, dimensions of early childhood, 37 (3), 4-9.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). issues and trends in the early childhood field: excellence and equity of care and education for children and families — Part 3. Baltimore, MD: Author.