Field Placement II (ECS*2040)
View of the Field: I believe that every child is capable, curious, and a unique individual who deserves to be nurtured. Children also deserve an environment where they can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. Early childhood professionals play a vital role in fostering development by creating meaningful relationships, encouraging exploration through play, and providing responsive care. I see the role as an educator, not as an instructor, but as a guide - someone who listens, observes, and supports children’s learning journey with respect and empathy. My views still closely align with John Locke and Aristotle’s concept of tabula rasa, seeing the child as a blank slate shaped by their environment. I also still agree that behaviour is learned, and children, like sponges, absorb the actions, words, and emotions of those around them.
Experience: My experience during my job shadow at the Humber Child Development Centre has deeply shaped my understanding of childhood and the importance of play. Working with toddlers showed me how essential it is to follow the child’s lead, observe their cues, and support their emotional development. These past few weeks at the Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre - Westvale have shown me how important the connection between family and educator is. All the educators are extremely close to the families they work with. They have “guest nights,” where parents come to the centre and do an activity with the other children, families, and educators. These relationships are so important to fully support the child. I also grew up in a family that encouraged creative play and exploration, which instilled in me the belief that play is not just fun, it is a fundamental part of learning. These experiences taught me to value relationships, empathy, and flexibility in my approach.
Knowledge: The Theories and concepts learned through my time in the early childhood studies program have broadened my perspective. Learning about theories like Vygotsky and Piaget helped me understand the importance of social interaction and developmental stages in learning. The concept of Zone of Proximal Development emphasized the importance of scaffolding a child’s learning through intentional, responsive interactions. Understanding play-based learning from a theoretical standpoint reaffirmed my belief that play supports all domains of development - cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. These insights have shaped my values to prioritize child-led, inquiry-based learning environments.
Implementation: In my professional practice, I aim to implement a child-centred, play-based philosophy by designing a curriculum that emerges from the children’s interests, questions and ideas. I plan to build strong, trusting relationships with children and families by being respectful, attentive, and communicative. I also recognize the importance of ongoing professional learning; I am committed to self-reflection, collaborating with colleagues, and staying informed about current research and inclusive practices. Whether through documentation, curriculum planning, or daily routines, my goal is to foster a joyful and safe space where children feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Field Placement I (ECS*1030)
Views of the Field: My views of the child closely align with John Locke and Aristotle's concept of tabula rasa, seeing children as blank slates shaped by their environment. Behaviour is learned, and children, like sponges, absorb the actions, words, and emotions of those around them. This makes the role of an early childhood educator incredibly important, as we serve as key influences in their development. It is essential to be kind, welcoming, and a positive presence, as some children may not have strong, supportive role models in their lives. By fostering a nurturing and respectful environment, we help shape not only their behaviours but also their values and skills. As educators, we have a responsibility to lead by example, ensuring that every child feels seen, heard, and supported in their growth.
Experience: My placement was my first real experience working with children, aside from the at-home daycare my mother ran when I was growing up. My first impression of the children came when they were sleeping. I sat quietly and watched as an educator gently patted a child’s back, helping them drift back to sleep. In that moment, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. There was something deeply healing about watching the children sleep so peacefully, knowing they were cared for by the educators around them. It reaffirmed my desire to be a comforting presence for the children I work with, a person they can lean on and trust. After three years of being in the program without a placement, this experience truly solidified that I had chosen the right path.
Knowledge: Learning about developmental theories, such as Piaget’s stages of cognitive development theory, has deepened my understanding of how children learning best. I now see development as a dynamic process influenced by social interactions, culture, and the environment. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory has further extended my perspective by emphasizing how a child’s development is shaped by multiple interconnected systems. This theory has helped me understand that children do not develop in isolation; rather, their experiences are influenced by relationships, communities, and societal structures. As an educator, this reinforces the importance of creating strong, collaborative connections with families and recognizing the diverse backgrounds that shape each child’s development.
Implementation: I will implement my philosophy in my professional practice by fostering a nurturing, respectful, and supportive environment where children feel safe and valued. I will continue to view children as a blank slate, shaped by their environment, making my role as an educator crucial to modelling kindness, empathy, and positive behaviour. My placement experience showed me how I want children to be comforted by my presence, ensuring they feel safe, secure and supported. Inspired by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, I will prioritize building strong relationships with families, recognizing their influence on a child’s development. I am committed to lifelong learning, staying informed through research and professional development to continually improve my practice and better support the children in my care.