Curious about a future in this field, I began asking questions about how to pursue a career working with children. I was soon hired as a Teacher-in-Training, allowing me to explore the profession before committing to furthering my education. The hands-on experience inspired me to take the next step in becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).

Who I am as an Educator

 One of my prominent skills is my open-mindedness. I am committed to continuous growth and self-improvement. I am consistently seeking new ways to enhance my skills. I regularly reflect on my experiences to identify opportunities for improvement. I purposely pursue learning whether through constructive feedback, training, or trying new approaches. My open-mindedness is visible in my e-portfolio, which highlights the range of professional development activities I have attended.

   I consider myself adventurous, playful, and hands-on. I believe outdoor and risky play are vital to children's learning and development. I actively encourage exploration and help children take safe risks that push them outside their comfort zones. I love the outdoors, and supporting experiences that foster confidence, independence, and curiosity through play. Whether it's climbing, running, getting messy, or trying something new, I believe the most meaningful learning happens when children are fully engaged and having fun. My e-portfolio includes presentations that reflect my commitment to play-based learning.   

  My work reflects empathy because I always consider the feelings and experiences of both children and their families. Growing up, I was bullied, and that has deeply shaped how I approach my role in early childhood education. I understand how important it is for every child to feel safe, included, and supported. Because of this, I’m especially mindful when planning activities, writing reflections, or working with families. I aim to create a warm, welcoming space where children feel confident and comfortable to be themselves and families feel respected and heard. My goal as an educator is to build strong, trusting relationships and to create a classroom environment where kindness, understanding, and belonging are at the heart of everything I do. My e portfolio includes an artifact on Inclusive Refection.

As I look to the future, I envision a path filled with continuous growth, meaningful challenges and rewarding triumphs.

Reflection

Artifacts

1. Nurture Nature Assignment

2. Final Theorist Assignment

3. Observation Assignment

   
   

Courses

ECED 1074 Child Deveolpment Introduction

ECED 3038 Child Develpoment 3-6 years

ECED Child Development 6-12 Years

ECED 1003 Emotional Development and Early Relations

I have chosen these artifacts to represent my understanding of child development each artifact highlights different practices in theories that support healthy brain development and growth. Through these assignments I have developed a stronger understanding of the importance of child development and how it helps shapes a child's future. I learned that nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) in relationships work together to build a strong foundation for learning behavior and emotional well-being. Observing children closely is a great way to understand how they grow, learn and interact with the world around them. It helps educators notice what each child enjoys, struggles with or needs help developing. Observation supports educators in adapting activities to meet each child's individual needs. I explored Piaget’s theory of cognitive development which explains how children construct knowledge through stages and by exploring and interacting with the world. I also explored on Vygotsky’s social- cultural theory which emphasizes the importance of social interaction in culture and learning. Together these theories along with observation and understanding nurture and nature, I have developed knowledge and the importance of child development in early learning environments.

Artifacts

1. Loose Parts Assignment

2. Outdoor Play Assignment

3. Risky Play Assignment

Courses

FLDP 1021 Field Orientation

ECED 1076 Curriculum and Pedagogy 0-3 years

ECED 3039 Curriculum and Pedagogy 6-12 years

I have chosen these artifacts because loose parts, outdoor play and risky play are important to curriculum. I have learned that loose parts and risky outdoor play are essential for children's development. Loose parts encourage creativity and problem solving. Risky play helps build confidence and teaches children how to manage challenges. As an educator i see value in creating outdoor spaces that invite exploration, safe risk taking. I will continue to support these opportunities in my future practice.

Artifacts

1. First Aid and CPR Certificate

2. CCEYA Completion Certificate

3. Promoting Health

4. WHMIS Certificate

   
   

Courses

1. ECED 1005 Health, Safety and Nutrition

2. First Aid and CPR Certificate

3. CCEYA Completion Certificate

4. WHMIS Online Course

   
   

Artifacts

1.First Aid and CPR Certificate

2. CCEYA Completion Certificate

3. Promoting Health

Reflection

The health safety and nutrition course gave me knowledge about supporting children's overall well-being I learned how to maintain safe environments, respond to health concerns, and promote healthy eating habits in early year settings. The artifact I have chosen was a creative assignment to promote health, prevention and awareness. Receiving my standard first aid and CPR certification has prepared me to respond calmly and confidently in emergencies I now feel more equipped to handle accidents and health issues. CCEYA completion certificate training helped me understand the legal and professional expectations in Ontario’s childcare sector. It has made me aware of children's rights; safety regulations and the responsibility the educators have to meet licensing standards which supports quality care.

Artifacts

1. Reflective Inclusive Assignment

2. Family Interview Assignment

3. Supportive Relationships Assignment

   
   

Courses

ECED 3037 Inclusive Practice

ECED 3022 Partnerships with Families

ECED 1003 Emotional Development and Early Relationships

I have chosen these assignments because the inclusion assignment helped me to see that inclusion isn’t just about children’s diverse needs, it's about creating a sense of belonging for everyone. I learned that inclusive practice requires intention, compassion, and flexibility. Learning about inclusion has made me grow as an educator and I strive to create environments where every child feels safe, valued and supported. I chose The Family Interview Assignment because I enjoyed listening to the family’s perspectives and it helped me to better understand the importance of strong relationships between families and educators. The final artifact was chosen because I discovered how powerful positive connections are in early childhood development. One idea that still stands out to me is the concept of the emotional Piggy Bank. That is where every act of kindness, attention and respect becomes a deposit that builds a child's emotional well-being. This metaphor reminds me of how small gestures like greeting a child by name, listing to their stories or simply just being present can have a big impact on their sense of self-worth and security.

Reflection

Artifacts

1. Envisioning Quality Assignment

2.OP-ED Assignment

3. SEL Resource

Courses

ECED 3044 The Reflective Practitioner

ECED 3040 Professional, Ethic and Advocacy

ECED 1053 Pro Social Behavior

I chose the Envisioning Quality in Early Childhood Assignment because I can now understand that high quality education is built on strong caring relationships, intentional planning, and on-going reflection. When we prioritize connection, curiosity and inclusion, we help children build confidence and skills they need to thrive. I chose this OP-ED Assignment because it talks about too much screen time for children. I strongly feel today’s children are exposed to a significant amount of screen time daily. Too much screen time limits opportunities for active play, hands on learning, face to face interaction, and outdoor exploration, all of which are essential for healthy growth in the early years. Adding the SEL tools, shows that I can offer children guidance to practice kindness, resolve conflict and develop a sense of belonging.

Artifacts

1. Professional Development

2. Educational Philosophy

3. Reflective Theorist Comparison Part 2

   
   

   Courses

   ECED 3003 Educational Perspectives

   
   

   Taking the Educational Perspectives course clarified my understanding of how different theories and philosophies influence early childhood education. It helped me reflect on my own values and practices as I continue to grow as an educator. One theorist who stood out to me was John Dewey, whose belief in experiential learning aligns closely with my own perspective. Dewey saw education as a social and interactive process, where children learn best by doing and being actively involved in their environments. This supports my belief in play-based, hands-on learning and the importance of creating responsive, engaging environments for children. Through my coursework and professional development experiences,  I have come to see professional growth as ongoing and connected to real-world experience.

1. School Age, Focus on Connection Part 4, June 16/25

2. Community Living, Find Your Village with Dr. Wendy Edwards, April 24/25

3. School Age, Be Kind to Your Mind with Mike Masse Part 3, March 24/25

4. School Age, Focus on Connection Part2, January 28/25

5. School Age, Focus on Connection Part 1, November 20/25

6. Heartwork, Spotlight on Active Play November 18/24

7. Supporting Children in the Learning Environment with Leanne Sulivan, May 12/24

8. Heartwork Seelf Regulation and Belonging, May 10/24

9. Spring Reconnect, Being Inclusive with Dr. Jean Clinton, April 20/24