Elise Williamson

ECE 1414

Philosophy Document

Personal Philosophy of ECE

According to the Mariam-Webster dictionary, the word philosophy is defined as the most

basic beliefs, concepts, attitudes of an individual or group. A personal philosophy of early

childhood education reflects and defines who one is as an educator/early childhood service

provider. Not only does it define someone, but also is a statement and reflection of someone’s

values and actions and a manual to their teaching methods. A personal philosophy of early

childhood education allows parents, staff and peers comprehend your aura and own perspective

on your career.

My personal philosophy for early childhood education reads “As an early child care

educator, I strongly believe children are the future. I will strive to deliver to infants, toddlers and

all young children a positive and effective learning experience under my care. I will provide

respect, care, patience and reassurance to children in a positive and joyful educational

environment. It is my promise to treat each child as their own unique, and individual person. My

goal as a teacher is not only to provide an education, but as well as teach cognitive and social

skills to allow children to discover all of their strengths. Children learn though play, and I will

ensure every opportunity given to learn through creating and discovering during playtime.”

Although, a philosophy can be pages long, after deep review of my personal outlook on

my career path that is what I have decided to conclude to put in my own words. To teach, and

even simply to just be involved in early childhood, current educators will explain it takes a

special person and some may even feel they were “called” for this specific career. With this
saying, I can agree. Child care providers need specific and special traits to attend to children

properly. As in in philosophy, I stated at the first line “I believe children are the future”. Children

are our future. We must install the correct characteristics in the children as best we can such as

honesty, trust and kindness as they are still developing. I also insert the key role I will play in my

own philosophy as the teacher’s role in teaching, guidance and development is essential. A

teacher’s role is important because they will act as motivators, confidants and role models. In

order to teach and install elements into children, teachers must also display this behavior

themselves. The first years in a child’s life in daycare/elementary school will set the tone of their

remaining years of school. Teachers help child develop mentally and understand themselves.

Also, mentioned in the personal philosophy is the importance of play. During play, this is

when children are likely to discover their own interests and socialize with others with the

assistance of adults and should not be controlled by adults. Play has a list long of benefits and a

dedication to it should be incorporated into the philosophy of early childhood education. It is to

be noted play is a major and effective way of how children learn. Physical play helps with gross

motor skills and decision-making. While adults are supervising the children during play, this is

an opportunity for them to observe engage with them learning more about the children

individually, so play benefits both parties. Not to mention, children are having fun the entire

time.

To conclude, a personal philosophy of early childhood education reflects someone’s

values and approach to teaching and children. It is a clear indication of the educators teaching

style and what they will accomplish with the children. It is solely a set of principles one is

committing to abide by though their entire role as an early childhood educator which is why it is
so important in the field. The personal philosophy comes from the heart and emphasizes your

purpose.