Personal Reflection on Early Childhood Development Essay

Personal Reflection on Early Childhood Development - Essay Example The development center I chose to observe and participate in was CB and in the following paragraphs is a breakdown of what this facility does and the theories of child development it promotes. CB is a non-profit organization which was established to provide services for families affiliated with the cancer center. The methods that this organization demonstrates very much coincide with two different theories, these being Erickson's and Piaget's approaches within the belief system of child development. It provides a very supportive, nurturing environment so individual personalities of each child can blossom forth. The developmental need of the 'whole child' is the priority of CB while at the same time responding to each families needs. The philosophy of CB is one that wants to promote personal self expression so that every child will be able to accentuate on their own potential, self worth, confidence, interests, and also have a complete sense of joy and fulfillment while in the early learning processes. There are three systematic steps associated with the program at CB and the details that have been observed are in the following bulleted outline. Learning Process the setting for cognitive development at CB is structured to a homelike atmosphere. This promotes comfortability and trust so that the children feel free to immerse themselves in the learning experience Developmental Awareness CB works wholeheartedly to match each child's progressing abilities through child and teacher interaction, though the child is allowed to decide what type of activity will be involved Developmental Goals The development goals are the key essentials of CB in order to provide a secure and sound foundation filled with a myriad of opportunities for children to grow and develop to get positive reinforcements for great achievements within the future There is various information about the program and during my tour and by personal observations; I noticed a monthly newsletter is available as well as information about different staff members in the form of essays. Also, I gathered information as to the sites fee's, enrollment, and age groups of acceptance. The fee is based on a sliding scale so it proves to be beneficial to working class families in the financial aspectual areas. As far as age groups, CB accepts six weeks of age up to kindergarten, and currently has an enrollment of 150 children, including infants. Many families search for programs for their children where they are guaranteed the employee's have the credentials necessary to properly care for their children. CB insures this as all 45 of their employee's have some form of expertise in early childhood development. Also, CB urges its employee's to become actively involved in the workshops that are available on a monthly basis to further their current knowledge. Those without a CDA (Child Development Associate Degree) go through precisive staff training. As aforementioned, CB follows closely in the footsteps of cognitive theorists such as Piaget and Erickson. The CB structure promotes active exploration through interaction with adults and other materials. It is a fact that the stage involving the development of sensorimotor is one of the most detrimental because