About Me                        

My name is Tamika Brown.  I am a kindergarten co-teacher and I love to inspire others to read.  I have always had a love for teaching children, however, I never imagined that I'd actually be an educator.   The question that was always asked; What made you want to start teaching? 

 It all started when I was in the fifth grade and one of my siblings that was in the third grade, had been struggling to read.  So I made it my point to teach her how to read by pulling out a book and teaching her words every day until she could read the whole book by herself.   That experience taught me how easy it is for children to fall through the cracks and that so many children  move from grade to grade without knowing how to read.

I started my professional career working as a teacher's assistant in an early learning academy and I love helping young children learn and grow.   Even working as a teacher's assistant, I wasn't sure of my career goals.   It wasn't until I gained a "bonus" mom, that I really started to pursue teaching.  She was a special education teacher and I admired what she did so much that I would often visit her classroom.  I knew it wasn't an easy job but yet I could tell that it brought her a sense of fulfillment to teach children.   This really gave me the push I needed to do what I love to do.  So, I took the first steps towards my journey by enrolling in early childhood education, then I went through a vigorous program to obtain my special education credential of competency.  By taking these first steps I was able to co-teach in special education and kindergarten.  These experiences working with children inspired me to enroll in the BS in Early Childhood Studies program.

Childhood is a unique and valuable stage in the human cycle: I believe that it takes someone with a big heart and a love for children to choose the early childhood profession. Children come into the world everyday and depend on someone to provide what they need.  It is our responsibility as adults, caregivers, and educators to support a child's development and learning. That means that we should never harm children and they should always feel safe.   Children should be cared for and educated in a positive environment  because this helps create a healthy development.    Children should be allowed the freedom of expression  and we should never discriminate against any child.   They deserve to be loved and  we should be committed to promoting their self-worth.  Resource: (NAEYC, Code of Ethical Conduct, 2011).

Ethical responsibilities to children: I believe that early childhood education is so important in helping young children with their growth and development.  Childcare and  education settings should be safe, healthy, and nurturing.  Any programs in  early childhood education should be based on current knowledge that can help with child development.  Children have their own unique qualities and abilities and they should be recognized and respected. Resource: (NAEYC, Code of Ethical Conduct, 2011).

Provide the community with high-quality education and services: This belief influences me as an early childhood professional because it helps me grow as an educator.  Early childhood professionals play a huge role in the healthy development of young children.  Educators should make it their responsibility to provide the best care to our children. This belief is shaping my identity as an early childhood professional.  Based on my knowledge and experience with working with young children, I understand that learning is not one size fits all.   Children need someone to be that voice to make sure they receive the high-quality education they deserve.  I am always willing  to adjust my level of instruction to fit the needs of the child(ren).  It has always been my mission to help children learn and grow.  There has also been alot of research that proves that what works for one child may not work for another child.  So, as an educator I will continue to advocate for children and fight for social change. Resource: (Defining and Recognizing High-Quality Early Learning Programs: NAEYC's 10 Accreditation Standards)www.naeyc.org. 

INTEREST AREA #1: The Development of Infants and Toddlers.

Infant and toddler development interests me because children's growth has to begin with a healthy foundation in order for them to have a strong start in life.  There are so many things that can affect a child's development. Such as their environment, maternal depression, and mutual responsiveness. Resource 1: (Maternal Depression can Undermine the Development of Young Children) www.developingchild. harvard.org.   Sometimes young children may struggle or have difficulties and can't explain their feelings.  Alot of children need someone to be thier voice and advocate for them and to also help them get the quality care that they need.  There is an article  I read that shares strategies that can help educators develop their advocacy skills.  Resource 2: (Young Children magazine: The Power in Our Collective Voices: Building Your Skills as an Early Childhood Advocate). www.naeyc.org.    

INTEREST AREA #2: Early Childhood Programs 

I am intersted in early childhood programs.  Early childhood programs contribute to helping young children learn and grow and this brings me back to my belief that early childhood education is important.  Why it matters?  Early learning can help children succeed and having more access to early childhood programs can help babies and toddler get developmental support that they might need.  Resource 1: ( ISSUE AREAS) www.zerotothree.org.   I have learned from my knowledge and experience that children have so many unique qualities and as an educator, you must be able to adjust your teaching styles in order to better serve children .  Without early childhood programs, a lot of children won't have access to services that could help with their development, like early interventions.  Resource 2:  (In Brief: Early Childhood Program Effectiveness). www.developingchild.harvard.edu.  This article interests me because it explains that years of research has proven how effective early chidhood programs are and that they can create good outcomes for children.

 Goal #1 : to become a homeroom kindergarten teacher and order for me to achieve this goal I will continue work hard to receive my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies.  Achieving this goal will lead me towards getting my certification to become a kindergarten teacher.

Goal #2: continue taking professional development training and classes.  I want to learn and grow as much as I can in education and in order for me to build my strengths as an early childhood professional, I have to take the necessary steps to  achieve this goal by receiving the coaching and training I need.

My greatest joy is watching children learn and grow.