During this practicum, I feel that I have begun to grow into the educator I want to be. My centre has amazing values and a philosophy that I align with, and I feel that the educators around me help me grow and learn each day. I can lead the children and am working on leading within my role and being more assertive with families and staff as Jennifer recommended. I am learning a lot that helps me in my life inside and outside of the centre.
I have felt a lot better about running the 3-5 program, engaging with families, and creating my PN. I am really happy with my relationships with the children, families, and other educators. I feel as though I fit well at this program and always feel like my opinion is valued and I have a say with educators and my management. I have participated in sharing new ideas about what we should do, as well as engaged in regular staff meetings and professional development training.
I have learnt so much from everyone around me, including the children. They have taught me about the importance of slowing down which I needed, this learning was very valuable to me. It has been nice to have so many staff and a smaller amount of children to be able to have the time and space to build such close relationships. This also helped me in my pedagogical narration as I was able to focus on each child’s contributions and found it easier to work together in a small group.
I think overall I have become much more independent and although there is always room to grow, I am happy where I am at right now. I look forward to what is in store for me as an educator and I can’t wait to continue my journey as an early childhood educator.