Time Well Spent

This program has given me so many insights, knowledge, and learning opportunities throughout the different courses that I am so thankful and happy to have had the chance to engage in this journey. Some deeply felt learnings that I acquired during the taken courses are: the importance of self-evaluation/reflection, the powerfulness of interconnections, teamwork and communication, the power of antibias education, and all that encompasses being an effective leader and early childhood professional. 

I learned that as early childhood professionals, it is essential that we are thoughtful and aware of our actions and how we interact with children, families, colleagues, and other staff. We are role models for the children and families we serve and must lead by example. Self-reflection has extremely positive results that help us continuously improve and evaluate ourselves to do an increasingly better job that promotes quality education. I also learned that good communication skills are the foundation of any relationship. Communication, collaboration, and teamwork are essential skills in our work as educators to positively impact the development and learning of young children. Without good communication with children, families, colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals, we cannot achieve anything.

Learning about antibias education was also of great value during the master's degree. I was very struck by the importance of promoting this type of education in our school communities and the positive impact we can have on children. As Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) state, the heart of antibias work is a vision of a world in which all children can bloom, and each child's unique abilities and gifts can flourish. We must unlearn to learn. Evaluate ourselves, reflect, and re-analyze prejudices and negative attitudes that we learn throughout life in order to become our best version and support children in their growth in the best possible way. Early childhood educators have a unique role in promoting all children's chances to thrive and succeed in school, work, and life. The core of effective antibias education is understanding how young children create their personal identities, think about differences, and absorb messages about prejudice and social advantage or disadvantage (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Having a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and social justice will allow us to focus on the essential aspects that will help us combat and eradicate the prejudices, discrimination, and biases that children face and learn from an early age. Effective early childhood leaders always strive to improve their abilities and are in the process of constant learning and reflection that allows them to provide excellent care and positive interactions that foster quality education. 

A long-term goal is to continue educating, learning, and evolving as an early childhood professional. As professionals in the field, we must stay up to date with the latest trends, strategies, skills, and resources to continue positively impacting early childhood. Another long-term goal is to become the director of an eco-friendly preschool.

I want to thank Dr. Parrish for being an excellent professor and for the timely and positive feedback she gave me in every assignment and weekly discussion posts. Her recommendations helped me define and improve my capstone project every week.

To my colleagues, thank you so much for being my companions during this master's journey and for all the comments, feedback, support, and shared experiences. It has been an honor to share this experience with colleagues so passionate and committed to the field of early childhood. Through the courses, we shared many experiences, situations, perspectives, and opinions that allowed us to learn from each other and see things from different points of view. The community we created was a source of motivation that helped us reach our goal of completing the master's degree. I wish you all the best and the greatest success in your future and professional career. Keep shining and positively impacting the lives of so many young children and their families. I will share my personal information for those who wish to keep in contact.

Best regards,

Antoinette Paravisini

antua_93@hotmail.com

787-439-9217

Puerto Rico

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).