Raise All Ships

During my career, I have worked in many different child development settings. My first position was in municipal recreation. Our programs were "Play-Based." The younger children came in the morning for preschool then left in the early afternoon. The older children arrived after school and enjoyed their afternoon playing in the park. The children created art, learned to cook, and sew, played board games, and so much more. 

My work then moved to a school district. The program followed the "Project Approach" in a structured way. The program featured a fixed curriculum of pre-made project kits. The children could choose to work on a project kit or play games. They also could build with Lego, run on the playground, or do homework. The program was extensive since the school district accommodated all families who required care.

Later in my career, I worked at a university. After starting as a play-based program, the program followed a "Social Constructivist" approach. The program continues to evolve with thoughtful and caring educators.

Today, I work in a Montessori school. I am learning how a Montessori teacher guides the children. From this experience, I see the influence of Dr. Montessori in other educational philosophies. Maria Montessori left a significant impact on Early Childhood Education. Many of the methods we use in our work with children directly connect to Dr. Montessori's research.

Dr. Montessori started practicing with children in 1907. Twelve years before Rudolf Steiner opened the first Waldorf School in 1919. The Schools of Reggio Emilia began in 1945, became established in 1963, and have flourished ever since. In 1998, Lifeways started a program in Wisconsin. The philosophy that guides Lifeways originated 79 years earlier.

The establishment of all child development philosophies has the purpose of helping children learn, serving families, and building community. As early childhood educators, we have an opportunity to give back. Sometimes we lose sight of our mission to protect our favorite educational philosophy. Early childhood educators tend to choose one education philosophy and stick with it. We teach one way when other practices in child development are available to us. Methods that will benefit the children and families we serve. Our fixed mindset keeps the field from growing as a profession and raising all ships.

Recently I attended a conference. Two different programs and philosophies shared their story of a long-term collaboration and shared the differences of each philosophy. They also shared the story of working together and their commitment to making each program better for children, families, and the community.

If two programs can change and evolve, early childhood educators can grow too. I would love for early childhood educators to come together in genuine collaboration with a willingness to learn from other pedagogies. Collaboration fosters new practices in our programs. Educators say our mission is serving children, families and building community. If so, being open to new ideas takes precedent over one philosophy and personal preference.

Have you ever collaborated in a program with a different educational philosophy than your own?