Sharai Drew
Early Childhood Professional
Professional Profile
I've been working in the early childhood field since 2003. What led me into the early childhood field was, first of all, the love I have for children and helping them. When I was studying at the City College of Chicago, I did not have a major because I was undecided on what to major in at that time. I started taking child development classes as electives, and I really enjoyed the courses and loved learning about children and how they develop. After taking the courses in early childhood, I decided to which jobs and start a career in Early Childhood Education. This was one of the best decisions I felt I made in my life. Once I started working in early childhood, my career excelled. I begin working as a teacher's assistant at a mom-and-pop school. It was not the best experience, but I did learn a lot from that experience. After leaving that center, I worked for a Christian childcare center, Bethesda. I loved this center. I worked there for a few years before leaving due to the long commute from home. Once I left Bethesda, I worked for a Fortune 100 childcare center. I worked for this center for over 14 years.
While working at this center, my career took off. I begin as an infant team lead teacher, an education coordinator for infants and toddlers, and a Health and Safety Director. Unfortunately, early childhood professionals do not make a lot of money. So, while working for this company, I started a home daycare serving children and families in my community. I am currently doing this as I complete my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood at Walden University. Going back to school to finish my bachelor's in Early Childhood Education has been my goal for many years. I've encouraged many educators to go back to school, and now I am following my advice. I hope my next step in my career will be to open an early childhood center in my community. I love working with children and families and being a part of the child's development and education.
"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think." -Margaret Mead
My Core Professional Beliefs
I believe that the early childhood profession is one of the essential professions serving young children and their families.
Professionals working for the welfare of people have a special obligation to behave that benefits the well-being of others. (Study Guide Slide 14).
When caring for others, there are foundational professional values based on the relationship: caring, compassion, empathy, respect for others, and trustworthiness (Study Guide Slide 14).
I believe this because an early childhood educator can significantly impact a young child's development and family, whether positive or negative, based on their experiences and environment.
A positive nurturing environment can shield a child from the impact of negative experiences (http://www.zerotothree.org)
Even though young children may not understand what they see or hear, they are affected by the events that take place around them, and they rely on adults for comfort (http://www.zerotothree.org)
This belief influences my professional work by how I teach, interact, and support the children and families in my care.
By conducting myself professionally and holding myself accountable for my actions (http://www.NAEYC.org ).
By following and demonstrating the Code of Ethics (http://www.NAEYC.org ).
Reflective training, teaching, and growth throughout my professional career as an early childhood professional (http://www.NAEYC.org ).
The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.
Maria Montessori
Time spent playing with children is never waisted.
Dawn Iantero
Professional Areas of Interest
I am interested in joining an early childhood organization that supports childcare programs and families with young children. NAEYC is an organization I would like to participate as a professional when I open my center. The reasoning behind my interest is that NAEYC will enhance the program’s quality and provide best practices and policies (NAEYC.org). I want my center to run a high-quality early childhood program and having a NAEYC accreditation will let people know I am running a high-quality program. Zero To Three website policy and advocacy for babies and toddlers promotes good health and early learning. My early childhood program will utilize the resources from the Zero To Three organization to help take action with supporting families with critical needs.
I am also interested in programming and curriculum. Theorist Maria Montessori inspired this interest. Maria Montessori studied children’s development and how they learn by interacting hands-on. I love observing children’s behavior with how and why they do what they do. I love having conversations with children and asking them questions. I believe if I observe children’s behavior, I can build off the study of children to create a program and an age-appropriate curriculum. Children with special needs have always been my interest. I want to work with special needs children by creating activities and lesson plans to support their education and developmental needs. Center on the Developing Child and WestEd supports implementing activities and supporting families.
References:
· http://centeronthedevelopingchild.org
· Study Guide adapted from the following text: Lascarides, V.C., & Hintz, B.F. (2001). History of Early Childhood Education. New York, NY: Routledge.
· Walden University. (2017a). Study guide: Professionalism in the early childhood field [PowerPoint presentation]. Minneapolis, MN: Author.
Professional Goals, for Practice and Growth
To complete my Bachelor's Degree, I plan on earning this while studying in at Walden University,
To open a childcare center. This goal is important to me because I want to take everything I have learned and experienced throughout my career to open and create an environment for children, and families a place where professionals can grow and advance in their early childhood careers.
To earn a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Curriculum. This goal will help me with writing a children's book of activities and short stories.
To write a children's book. Writing a children's book is something I've always wanted to do throughout my entire career.
Resourceful Websites
NAEYC is an organization that supports high-quality early childhood programs. NAEYC's Code of Ethics holds programs and professionals accountable for how they interact with children and implement professionalism.
Center on the Developing Child Harvard University has resources to support young children's brain development and how science plays a crucial part. This website has articles of research for professionals in early childhood to review.
Zero To Three is an excellent website with activities and articles supporting children ages zero to three. Professionals in early childhood can utilize this site for age-appropriate activities and ideas.