first : Chapter 2 discusses contemporary issues that influence the practice of early childhood education. Some of these issues include health and wellness (asthma, childhood obesity, etc.), diversity, child abuse, violence and bullying, among others.

Which of these issues do you think are the most important in the context of the early childhood environment? If you think another issue not mentioned in the book is more pressing, you may discuss that one in your response.

Write a reflection describing why your chosen issue is important. For full credit, you need a minimum of 5-6 sentences discussing your issue and your reasons for choosing it.

second : After reading the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, reflect on and respond to the following questions:

Why is “ethics” so important in the early childhood field?

Why do you think the first principle is “do no harm?” Why does this have to be explicitly stated? What different types of “harm” are young children vulnerable to?

third : Professional Development Plan

For this assessment, you will develop a Professional Development Plan. Developing your plan requires that you consider your philosophy of education, your goals within the field, as well as your plan for achieving these goals.

As you consider your goals, please consider both short and long-term professional goals. Short term goals have a window of less than one-year in terms of a time frame, while long-term goals typically have a time frame of three to five years.

Your plan needs to include each of the following components. 

Goals: Identify 3-5 professional goals. Criterion for your goals include the following:

• Use the S.M.A.R.T strategy to develop 3-5 professional goals. Be sure that each of your goals are:
• Specific

A general goal would say, “Get a job in ECE.”

A specific goal would say, “Within one year of degree/certificate completion, obtain a position in a public school pre-K or kindergarten.”

• Measurable

Ask yourself, how will I know if I have accomplished it?

• Attainable

Writing a goal down helps you begin to see ways in which you can attain it and recognize opportunities that bring you closer to reaching your goal.

• Realistic

Do you truly believe you can accomplish it?

• Timely

The goal should be time-bound; otherwise, there is no urgency to complete it.

Strategies/activities: Outline strategies and activities that will help you accomplish your goals. Examples include:

• Find a coach/mentor to work with you
• Do professional reading
• Keep a log or journal of your activities, including participation in workshops, seminars, professional reading and meetings with coaches/mentors
• Get involved with a professional organization
• Learn to use new technology

Reflect and Evaluate: Document reflection opportunities and ongoing documentation plans.

• How will you document and track professional development activities and accomplishments? What specific system will you use to organize documentation, evidence of practice etc.?
• How will you organize the system for your easy referral and reference?
• How will you systematically and consistently reflect on your professional development and growth?

Following the development of your plan, write an essay that responds to each of the following:

• Do your goals and your plan reflect your needs?
• Does your plan involve new learning & growth, not just time & effort?
• Are your goals clear?
• What do you see as your current strengths and challenges? How does your plan reflect support for each of these?
• Does your plan include time for reflection followed by appropriate adjustments?