My name is Yukthi Hansani Gunapala, and this e-Portfolio reflects the knowledge and experience I have gained during my two semesters in the Early Childhood Education program at Fanshawe College. It showcases my learning, skills, and passion for working with young children.

I chose this program because I have always loved teaching and working with children. I believe that early childhood is an important time for learning and growth. Before coming to Canada, I worked as a teacher in Sri Lanka for 10 years and also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. My experience has helped me understand how young children learn and develop.

As part of my program, I have completed two placements. My first placement was at Kangaroo’s Pouch Daycare Center, where I worked with toddlers. My second placement was at Ealing Public School, where I supported kindergarten students. These experiences helped me learn how to plan activities, observe children’s development, and create a welcoming learning environment.

I look forward to my third and final placement at Argyle Family Center. This will be another great opportunity to build my skills, learn from experienced educators, and support children’s learning in new ways.

The following artifacts show my skills in planning activities, observing and documenting children’s learning, and creating a positive and inclusive classroom. Each artifact represents my journey as an educator and my commitment to supporting young children.

1.       Impact of Alcohol on Fetal Health

2.       Secure Bond

3.       Temperament

Courses:

ECED-1075 Child Development 0-3 Years

ECED-3038- Child Development 3-6 Years

Reflection:
I included these artifacts in my portfolio because they show my understanding of how children grow and develop. The Impact of Alcohol on Fetal Health assignment helped me learn how alcohol can affect a baby before birth. The Secure Bond and Temperament assignments taught me about the importance of strong relationships between children and caregivers. They also helped me understand how every child has a different personality and needs different kinds of support.

These assignments helped me connect what I learned in class to real life. I now understand how children’s development is affected by their environment, relationships, and experiences. In my future work, I will use this knowledge to create safe, supportive, and fun learning spaces for all children.

1.       Handwashing Video

2.      Menu Plan

Courses:

ECED 1005 – Health, Safety and Nutrition in ECE.

Reflection:
These artifacts highlight my ability to support children’s health, safety, and well-being in an early learning environment. The Handwashing Video demonstrates how I can teach children important hygiene habits in a simple and engaging way. The Weekly Daycare Menu reflects my understanding of nutrition and how to plan balanced meals that meet children’s dietary needs.

Through these experiences, I have learned how important it is to create a safe and healthy space for children. In my future practice, I will continue to encourage good hygiene and promote healthy eating.

Through these experiences, I have learned how important it is to create a safe and healthy space for children. In my future practice, I will continue to encourage good hygiene, promote healthy eating, and ensure that families stay informed about safety practices.

1.       Field trip Newsletter

2.       Outdoor Play as a right, not a privilege

3.       3. Co-constructing the learning environment

 Courses:

ECED 1005 – Health, Safety and Nutrition in ECE.

ECED-3038- Child Development 3-6 Years

ECED-1084 - Foundation of ECE

Reflection:

These artifacts represent my commitment to advocating for children, families, and quality early childhood education. The Field Trip Newsletter demonstrates how I communicate important information to families, ensuring they are involved in their children’s experiences. Outdoor Play as a Right, Not a Privilege reflects my belief that all children deserve access to outdoor play for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Co-constructing the Learning Environment highlights how I create meaningful learning spaces by considering children’s interests, needs, and voices.

Through these experiences, I have learned that advocacy is about speaking up for children’s rights, collaborating with families, and working with other educators to provide the best learning opportunities. In my future work, I will continue to promote inclusive environments where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

1. Outdoor Play Newsletter

2. Theorist Comparison

3. Music and Movement

Courses:

• ECED-1076: Curriculum and Pedagogy

• ECED-3003: Educational Perspectives

Reflection:
These artifacts showcase my ability to design and support meaningful learning experiences for young children. The Outdoor Play Newsletter highlights the importance of outdoor learning and how it supports children’s development. The Theorist Comparison helped me understand different educational perspectives and how they influence teaching practices. The Music and Movement assignment demonstrates how I can create engaging activities that support children’s physical, cognitive, and social development.

Through these experiences, I have learned how to design a curriculum that meets children's needs, interests, and learning styles. In my future practice, I will use this knowledge to create engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that support children's growth in all areas.

1. Howard Gardner

2. Theorist Comparison

   
   

Course:

• ECED-3003: Educational Perspectives

  
  

Reflection:
These artifacts demonstrate my ability to research different educational theories and apply them to early childhood education. The Howard Gardner assignment helped me understand multiple intelligences and how children learn in different ways. The Theorist Comparison between John Dewey and Indigenous Pedagogy deepened my understanding of experiential learning, community involvement, and the importance of hands-on experiences in education.

Through this research, I have learned that education should be flexible, inclusive, and connected to children’s real-life experiences. In my future practice, I will continue to explore new perspectives and use research-based strategies to support each child’s unique learning journey.

1.       Universal Believes

2.       Guidance and our role- “looking at our role in supporting children

3.       Capturing the learning

4.       The Importance of Social Emotional Learning

Courses:

• ECED-3044: The Reflective Practitioner

• ECED-1053: Promoting Pro-Social Behaviour

• ECED-1076: Curriculum and Pedagogy 0-3

Reflection:
These artifacts highlight the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with children, families, and educators. The Universal Beliefs assignment helped me understand the core values that guide early childhood education. Guidance and Our Role explored how educators can support children’s social and emotional development through positive interactions. Capturing the Learning taught me the value of observing and documenting children’s experiences to understand their growth and learning. The Importance of Social Emotional Learning emphasized how relationships shape children’s ability to manage emotions, develop empathy, and build connections.

Through these experiences, I have learned that responsive relationships create a foundation for children’s well-being and learning. In my future practice, I will focus on fostering positive connections, supporting children’s emotional needs, and working in partnership with families and colleagues to create a nurturing learning environment.