Communication and Collaborating in EC Field

Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field first blog assignment is to think of someone (e.g., family member, celebrity, politician, friend, or professor) who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context. What behaviors does this person exhibit that make him or her effective? Would you want to model some of your own communication behaviors after this person? Why or why not?

I feel that the person I would say that demonstrates competent communication within the particular context of early childhood education would be my former employer Gina.  She is the owner and operator of 2 operating childcare centers.  She is not only an advocate for children she serves, but also her church and community.  From my pervious experience in observing her communicate with parents, staff, and myself.  She maintains a level of ethics and respect always.  Allowing every individual to express themselves and their opinions.  In any staff meeting she would follow with a written dialect the next day, for us to verify our interpretation, as well as her coding/meaning.  Open body language that shows attention to the messenger and their point of view.  She advocates for her views and the rights for children.  She portrayed an admiral demeanor throughout every encounter.  I recall an obstacle relating to the facilities water, as she was on a well, she faced during my employment that created a great adversity for her professionally and personally.  As she lost children due to having to be closed for water repair.  She maintained a composer that allowed open and clear communication with parents and staff.

            I would state that she would fall into the Code of Ethics and Values provided by the NAEYC.  The “…commitment to

·         Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle

·         Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn

·         Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family

·         Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society

·         Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague)

·         Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues

·         Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect” (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2005, p 1).

Demonstrating these values and others that are associated with her philosophy allows her the opportunity to remain open, respectful, and patient in communicating.  Additional as for anyone the means of communication can have ample purposes.  For when one is making a point or addressing an issue, facts and finds from other sources are vital.  Having adequate information and facts can allow us to validate our opinions and views.  For example a great piece of knowledge I gained early in my academic career was the reality of epistemology.  When we are able to become intellectually virtuous.  We must evaluate the opinions and facts presented in a conversation to validate its truth.  “A full study of the subject would require delving into the various sources of knowledge such as perception, memory and testimony, in addition to whatever faculties of understanding we may have that allow us to grasp truths independently of sense of experience” (Wood, 1998, p 15).  There are many factors that contribute to communication and relying a message.  We must filter whether one is sharing an opinion, experience, facts, or views.  I can say I feel Mrs. Gina indeed displayed these traits from my interpretation.  I truly look up to her and she is one of the role models that have led me to the path I am on now.  My first employer, my first passion, serving children.  Watching her through the years has helped my fuel stay full in traveling down a road to my goals in my professional and personal life.    

References

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2005, April). NAEYC code of          ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved from            http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

Wood, J. (1998). Epistemology; Becoming intellectually virtuous. Downers Grove, IL:     InterVarsity Press.