Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 6. BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL
Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs identify and conduct themselves as members of the
early childhood profession. They know and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to
early childhood practice. They are continuous, collaborative learners, who demonstrate knowledgeable,
reflective, and critical perspectives on their work, making informed decisions that integrate knowledge from a
variety of sources. They are informed advocates for sound educational practices and policies.

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the spring semester of 2014 during my ECED 204-Early Childhood Families in Transitions course,
I worked on a family involvement project. This project involved me to research the crucial Importance of
partnerships with families and building healthy, respectful communication with families that I work with. I
worked with other professionals in the field of Early Childhood to create and present and strategies that a
teacher can conduct to create an environment that fosters family involvement. I created newsletters,
monthly calendars to promote family involvement, and gained an understanding of how to promote the
environment as friendly, inviting and desirable to meet familys needs.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Through completion of this project; I became more fluent in addressing personal needs for families. I
learned the value of ethical conduct, and how to present myself in a manner that shows professionalism,
utmost concern for the child and families, and continuing learning more in the field of education. I understand
how important it is to stay on top of teaching trends, and how beneficial I can be for families if I have a clear
understanding of their needs, goals and lifestyles that I can incorporate in my future classroom. In this project;
I conducted research that helped me to gain knowledge in my ethnical responsibilities to the child and to their
families. Being reflective and constantly aware of what actions are beneficial and what are not for families will
help me to accelerate my relationships in my career.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

This project is just one of many projects in which I learned the importance of being a professional; as
well as an advocate. I feel more confident in my understanding of my ethical responsibilities as well the
importance of continuing my professional development. Through the research of this project I found the value
in accommodating to my curriculum; things that are active parts of the families lives and adding them in the
room; to create a environment that is inviting for the family, as well as respectful for different cultures and
backgrounds. I feel more knowledgeable in professionalism and connecting with families with the
understanding that all people are different and all needs are not the same. It is virtually important that I
address all families in their backgrounds, and create a relationship that is supportive and ideal to meet their
individual family needs.