Vermont Core Teaching Standards

Standard 1.

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Evidence 1:

Human Growth Development, PSY 1050, Johnson State College, 2004, Transcript

Description:

This course provided a study of human growth and development throughout the life cycle including physical, cognitive, linguistic, ethical and psychosocial dimensions. It as well focused on areas to Identify and discuss issues in human growth and development arising from differences in gender, race, and class.

Analysis/Reflection:

Information from this course helped me understand how children are affected through influences such as their family structures, abuse and neglect, and social class. Throughout this course we discussed how the human body develops through the lifespan from infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging. As I learned how environmental and genetic factors can influence growth and development, I gained knowledge on theorists like Jean Piaget's and Lev Vygotsky on theory of cognitive development and social development. This course reinforced the theories I learned in the Child Development course I took previously.

In understanding the stages of child development, I am able to provide materials and develop activities that are age appropriate for the children in my program. Every day I always provide a wide variety of sensory materials that are engaging and interesting for infants through preschoolers to experience. By providing activities such as sensory exploration, light table materials, or playdough activities, children can explore at their own comfort level.

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Evidence 2:

Child Development, PSY 115, Community College of Vermont, 1988, Transcript

Description:

A study of child development from conception to preadolescence. The course emphasizes physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of the child. Developmental theories and their practical applications will be examined.

Analysis/Reflection:

This course guided my learning of the development of children. I learned many aspects of the development of the child, from prenatal period through adolescence. Through this course I gained knowledge of how genetic and environmental influences affect a child’s development. This was my first experience understanding the background of research and theoretical approaches in the child development field. My understanding of what was the "norm" for children's development gave me the base to understand what to look for in a child's learning ability.

I believe that a hands-on learning environment is the key to a child's success in their development and learning potential. As an educator, I realize what I provide for materials, and how I present an activity, affect how children learn. Over the years I have become an intentional educator when it comes to my teaching style.

Mountain Road PreschoolJuly 15 · Edited · This block structure took all morning and they used every block, toy and even the science area acrylic bugs! We kept it up all day!  :)

Comment Share 4 Kristina Hansen, Sarah Warner and 2 othersComments

Cindy Broughton Noah told me about this. It left quite an impression on him.Unlike · Reply · 1 · July 15 at 5:31pm

Facebook post of block building.

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Evidence 3:

Introduction to Early Childhood Education, EDU 1030, Community College of Vermont, Spring 1995, Transcript

Description:

This course is an overview of early childhood education. Students examined historical, philosophical, and practical issues related to the education of children from birth to age eight. Topics include early childhood learning, behavior, and motivation; curriculum models and materials; observation techniques; and instructional issues.

Analysis/Reflection:

I received these course credits through Community College of Vermont’s course Assessment of Prior Learning. I was able to prove I received the learning by my experience and hands on working with children birth through age 8 years. My experience included coursework through CCV in Child Development and Methods and Materials in ECE. Through my past job placements I learned a lot from my mentor teachers at Mary Johnson Children's Center, such as how to develop lesson plans and employ effective teaching strategies. Then, through my lead teaching roles at Children’s Growth Company, Otter Creek Children's Center, and my home child care program, I learned to design and implement an educational learning environment. I was able to plan my classroom setting taking into account the needs of the children by their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Understanding how a child learns and what their interests are helped me develop my teaching style. In determining lesson plans, I take into account what each child may need in the different areas of development. An example would be accommodations for a child that may need support in a gross motor activity, or for a child who may be delayed in their speech. As an educator, one needs to understand how a child grows and learns in order to offer challenging learning experiences. I had a one year old that kept emptying baskets and sitting in them, so I purchased the "box car" from Community Playthings for him to sit in and play , which satisfied his need of sitting in baskets.

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