Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 2. BUILDING FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that successful early childhood education
depends upon partnerships with childrens families and communities. They know about, understand, and
value the importance and complex characteristics of childrens families and communities. They use this
understanding to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families, and to
involve all families in their childrens development and learning. (NAEYC, 2010)
Brief Description of Evidence:
During the spring semester of 2014 during my ECED 235-Early Childhood Curriculum course, I created
a monthly calendar. The calendar required the use of Indiana Foundations, measurable objectives, diversity,
family involvement, community activities that were of no cost, and content specific activities in the areas of
literacy, math, art, and science. These specific activities were planned each day.
Analysis of What I Learned:
Through completion of this monthly calendar I was able to use positive interaction and social skills to
work collaboratively with families and the community. I now know the importance of early childhood
professionals working together and sharing ideas about childrens developmental learning. Through this artifact
I have learned how to integrate subject matter into developmental appropriate practices for young children
outside of school. I learned that part of becoming a professional in early childhood includes supporting and
empowering families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:
Maslow created the hierarchy of needs. He believed that before you can teach a child four different
needs must be meet. The physiological needs, safety and security needs, the love and belonging needs and selfesteem. Maslow said if you do not have enough of something you have a deficit. This assignment
demonstrates how I worked collaboratively with families and community while building relationships. While
implementing and creating this calendar. Through spending time researching various teaching activities with
peers, I am informed about what is going on in the community in which my children live. Therefore I feel that
my teaching practices are developmentally appropriate for all young children.