Part 1: Comparing Early Childhood Philosophies/Models

Research three types of early childhood facilities, representing a variety of philosophies/models. Examples include, but are not limited to: play-based, STEM, bilingual, Montessori, academic. In 250-300 words, address the following using scholarly research to support your claims:

· Compare the three philosophies/models.

· Describe the characteristics of a child that would succeed in each philosophical model.

Part 2: Conversations with Families

Imagine three families ask you for your professional advice and counsel on choosing the best childcare centers for their children. Read each case scenario and in 100-150 words per child, discuss the following:

· Recommend a childcare center and provide a rationale. Include the family's context, goals, and parenting styles in your justification.

· Discuss how the philosophy/model of the childcare center would support the whole child, including growth, development, health, safety, and nutrition needs.

Case Scenario 1: Eleanor

Eleanor is a five-year-old girl with fiery, red hair and a strong personality. She lives with both her mother and father and is the oldest of three siblings. Both parents are highly involved in the child-rearing and read parenting books together at night. Eleanor’s father believes that children will learn in their own time and does not believe in pushing children with academics before third grade. Eleanor has an extensive vocabulary, is advanced for her age, already reading chapter books and trilingual, knowing English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Eleanor is a bit of a loner and has trouble making friends. She loves Legos, cooking, and Barbies.

Case Scenario 2: Oliver

Oliver is a four-year-old boy raised by a single mother. His mother works 10-hour shifts at a local restaurant, so Oliver spends most of his day with his elderly grandparents. Oliver enjoys playing video games and averages 4 hours of screen time a day. Oliver’s grandparents are struggling to care for him, so his mother is looking for a daycare/preschool for Oliver. His mother earned her GED and self-reports not knowing a lot about education.

Case Scenario 3: Ciara

Ciara is a three-year-old girl who lives with her mother, father, grandmother, and four siblings. Ciara’s mother is monolingual only speaking Spanish, but her father is bilingual and speaks Spanish and some English. As the youngest child, Ciara is lacking verbal skills and rarely speaks. Ciara loves to have books read to her and enjoys coloring. Ciara’s mother is busy taking care of the family and her father is busy running his landscape business. Education is important to both parents and they believe a strong academic foundation is best.

Part 3: Reflection

In 150-200 words, reflect on which early childhood philosophy/model you align with the most and provide a rationale. Describe characteristics of your ideal context to teach in for your current or future professional practice.