Issues and Trends in ECE

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

1. Recognition and appreciation of diversity is fundamental for the development of a strong community. All individuals are respected and viewed equitably, the community is strengthened by the gifts, talents and abilities of all citizens.
2. Cooperation and collaboration provide a firm fountation for personal and social change.
3. People who nurture commitment and connectedness in their personal lives, in their workspace, and in the community maintain their enthusiasm, creativity and energy.
4. Belief in personal power and understanding is the basis of change.
5. Practitioners who actively keep abreast of, reflect on, and apply trends in early childhood education and who can articulate and apply a personalized model of professional practice are able to sustain and renew themselves in their work.
6. Practitioners can positively affect the early childhood field through understanding of systems theory and power distribution in organizations and communities.
7. Professional practice requires critical thinking and the application of ethical principles in making decisions and taking action.
8. A practitioner must recognize how to effectively use and refer others to a myriad of informal and formal community resources.
9. Human services are a secondary medium for helping people. The primary medium of support in our community is social networks. Understanding the limitations of professional intervention improves professional accountability.