Reading Yourself into the Field of ECEC

As part of your programme, it is important to build up your knowledge and understanding of key concepts, theories and practices in early childhood education to help you to develop as a well-informed and ethically responsible early childhood educator. You develop your knowledge through your classes, through supervised practice placement and also by engaging with the expertise, research and writings of authors that are specialist in ECEC (or other related disciplines such as child development, psychology, education etc.) along with relevant guidance documents such as national policy on childcare, legislation and pedagogy. One of the most enjoyable parts of learning is when you encounter an idea that makes you think differently. For example, reading about an educational theory might challenge your existing views and make you think differently about the design of curriculum practices or the application of policies within the sector. Similarly, reading about alternative practices in other early childhood and care settings might inform your own educational practice and help you to think about changes that you can make to support young children’s learning and development in a new way. By taking up the challenge of reading for your learning and for your professional development, you are building a useful habit that will serve you well in your studies and also in your professional career.