Module 6 Blog

Hello everyone,

Well, know since I have a better understanding of evaluations being used in early childhood programs, I know what to look for when the time comes.  I learned from other colleagues that had some experience with an evaluation process that it takes a lot of work and patience.  I also learned that there's nothing wrong with receiving additional help from other organizations during evaluation.  I love the fact that there are coaches who will come and observe the center including classrooms and teacher/child interaction. Then, gives you feedback on what they observed and how the teacher and director can do better before the visitation. 

The number one thing that I learned and felt was important to me as a scholar-practitioner is that people who are involved in the evaluation such as administrators and teachers need to be motivated.  Evaluations can be stressful.  Believe me, I know.  I have been through it and felt like it was not going to ever end with all the paperwork and filing documentation. It's a lot of work.  Staff members who are involved in the evaluation process need to know that they are doing an excellent job and it should be said every day.  I would let my staff know how they are appreciated and it may seem a lot right now but when it is over, we have really accomplished something beautiful and important and that is making sure the center is high-quality and a licensed program.  

Scholar Practitioners as Program Evaluators

     I believe the contents that I will gain from this course will help me as an educator by strengthening my knowledge of the importance of evaluation programs.  I would like to teach ECE courses at a junior college or maybe a four-year university and knowing this new knowledge of evaluation programs will help me a lot.  I have been in early childhood education since 2001 and I have noticed a lot of changes that licenses have passed.  I believed that they are taking the fun out of teaching young children and not letting teachers be creative like back in the days.  Sometimes I sit and wonder if I am really a "babysitter".  For example, children cannot learn how to write his or her names using dot to dot anymore.  Children are allowed to get up during circle time and play if they wish not to sit.  They play more than learning their academics.  A lot has changed and I feel worried because it will confuse them when they enter kindergarten.  We are taught not to have children sit for a long time but when they go to kindergarten they will have to sit.  We cannot use worksheets but they will be using worksheets in kindergarten.  I would like to know what you all think about these issues?  When I do become an instructor and teach ECE courses, I can use my experiences as an ECE educator and explain what I learned from evaluation programs at the centers I use to teach.  Also, I would like to become an advocate for recruiting more males in ECE.  I enjoy working with awesome female teachers but sometimes I would like to see more males teaching young children. We can collaborate with one another about how we can make ECE fun for the children.  That would be great.  C. Curry