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Philosophy of Education

Jodi Driver

Fresno Pacific University

ECD-470-EO151: Curriculum Development for Early Childhood Education

Dr. Corona

May 29, 2023

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Philosophy of Education

In the field of Early Childhood Education, I understand these years are the most crucial

for development. I wanted to be an early childhood educator because I love watching how the

children’s minds work when given materials to explore. I will provide a welcoming and

nurturing environment where children can feel safe, learn, and grow. I will provide the children

with opportunities to build their social and emotional development. Through these opportunities

children will develop self-esteem, build a relationship with other peers, and adults in the

environment. I want all family members to feel welcome in our classroom community.

I will observe children’s individual needs and interests to use and create developmentally

appropriate curriculum. The curriculum that I will create will be based on Reggio and

Montessori-inspired theory and research. These theorists know the importance of play.

Encouraging engagement with other peers and adults will help develop communication skills that

they will need for school. I am committed to strengthening the children’s social-emotional

growth and well-being.

I believe that children learn best through hands-on play and are motivated by curiosity.

Educators are co-researchers who support and facilitate learning and conflict resolution. My

classroom environment is designed to provoke a sense of wonder, motivate creativity, and

endorse self-direction, allowing children self-determination to follow their own interests and

imaginations. Curriculum driven by the needs, interests and abilities of the children as carefully

observed by the educators. Children can and should learn to respect and care for the

environment, each other, and their work. “The goal of early childhood education should be to

activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” – Maria Montessori