One of the
outside links from the NAEYC organization website that I have not yet explored
that I decided to explore is the June/July 2012 issues of Teaching Young
Children (TYC). The link led me to a description of the TYC magazine and the
current issue. Each issue of the TYC magazine provides useful, research-based
ideas that preschool educators can use in their classrooms. This issue includes
articles about gardening, family-friendly practices, sorting activities, and
using graphic organizers. (NAEYC, 2012)
Another
outside link from the NAEYC organization website that I have not yet explored
that I decided to explore is the Young Children magazine. The one issue that I
explored is “Finding the Education in Educational Technology with Early
Learners.” Young Children is an
award-winning, peer-reviewed professional journal published bimonthly by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (NAEYC, 2012) Young
Children issues are organized around topical clusters that devote special
attention to issues in the field of early childhood education. (NAEYC, 2012)
The one area
which I chose to be my focus is the membership section of NAEYC. This section
describes how to sign up to become a member of NAEYC and the advantages you
receive as of member of NAEYC. There are 6 reasons stated why to become a
member of NAEYC. The six reasons are the following: Get great content, Save 20%
off NAEYC books and resources, get discounts off conferences, build your
network, change the world, and become a leader. This section also includes a
list of benefits of becoming a member of NAEYC as well as FAQs listed for those
individuals who may need some question answered. This section also lists the
resources that are available at discount through a membership of NAEYC.
Yes, NAEYC
does have information which relates to the understanding of equity and
excellence in early care and education. There are training videos as well as an
abundance of resources which correlate to the equity and excellence in early
care and education. There is also a very helpful resource called the National
Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, which helps guide
professional development through research, policies, and practices. Walden
University is actually a sponsor to the institute which is something that made
me very proud of the school that I attend.
I have
learned and come to the realization of how important professional development
is in the field. Professional Development is a continuum of learning and
support activities designed to prepare individuals for work with and on behalf
of young children and their families, as well as ongoing experiences to enhance
this work. (NAEYC, 2012) These opportunities lead to improvements in the knowledge,
skills, practices, and dispositions of early education professionals. (NAEYC,
2012) NAEYC has a variety of learning opportunities designed for early
childhood professionals. I believe these opportunities will help early childhood
professionals understand equity in the field and the definition of excellence:
Online learning programs on “must-know” topics, Intensive Training-of-Trainers
sessions on critical early childhood subjects, Training DVDs for self-study or
group instruction, and NAEYC’s annual Conference and Institute for workshops,
networking, and more.
Resources:
I agree that ongoing education is very important for professionals in the early childhood education field and thought it was encouraging that NAEYC has a system of continuing education credits that allows professionals to demonstrate that they are keeping up with current information and practices. There are always new topics that develop, such as new teaching methods and curriculum enhancements that will stimulate the interest of the children that we are working with. Networking with other practitioners in the field is also crucial to our development as professionals, as there is always something to be learned from other’s experiences and insights.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
I am memeber of NAEYC and I love it they are the epitomy of early childhood and have all the necessary resources and lastest resources and issues in early childhood education. Their conferences are wonderful also from what I hear. I had colleagues go last year and they said it was awesome and worth every bit of their time and money. I am hoping next year I am able to attend a conference in my state. Great website you chose, it will emlighten your perspective in early childhood.
ReplyDeleteOn going education is a most for all educators. The learning never stops as new issues and trends arise. Each time I review NAEYC's site I learn something new and find new information to use.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteThe NAEYC website is an excellent source for resources and information about several educational topics. My center was recently accredited by this organization, their guidelines are stringent but being a NAEYC accredited center makes it all worth while.
On going education has to be a must for all education professionals. I once told my husband that I am a professional student...lol. The NAEYC is so full of wonderful information everytime I research it I find new and very informative information.
ReplyDelete