Reference no: EM133997119 , Length: Word Count:1500
The Early Childhood Professional
Assessment: Mapping and Critical Reflection
Description
In this task, you are required to critically analyse teaching in the early years, focusing on three key areas:
Relationships with children
Partnerships with families and communities
Inclusion and diversity
Instructions
Part 1: Steps Along the Bridge - Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher
First step is to draw/paint/sketch/create a bridge.
Bridge Requirements
One side represents your past experiences, beliefs, assumptions, and early understandings of teaching.
Choose a few words and/or artefacts to represent your past experiences.
These must appear on one side of your bridge.
The other side represents where you are going, including:
Your emerging teaching philosophy
Professional values
Future practice
Position yourself on the bridge to show where you currently are in your professional journey.
You may draw yourself or add a photo
Your bridge should visually reflect growth, learning, challenges, and shifts in thinking.
A Step-by-Step Guide - Part 1: The Bridge
You may:
Draw it on paper
Paint it
Use digital tools
Create a collage
Important: It must be your original work.
1. One Side of the Bridge: Your Past
Include:
Original beliefs
Early assumptions
What you thought teaching was before the course
Examples:
"I thought early childhood educators were basically babysitters."
"I believed early childhood education was mostly free play without intentional teaching."
"I assumed children naturally learn everything through play." No AI shortcuts — Only authentic assignment help from real expert tutors.
Show these visually using:
Keywords
Symbols
Artefacts
2. Other Side of the Bridge: Your Future
Include:
Emerging teaching philosophy
New/stronger values
Words describing your future practice
Examples:
Intentional teaching
Relationships matter
Cultural responsiveness
Partnership with families
Equity and inclusion
Play-based learning with purpose
3. Place Yourself on the Bridge
This is mandatory.
You can:
Draw yourself
Add a small photo
Use a symbol
Your position should show:
How far you have progressed
Where you see yourself in your professional journey
Examples:
Middle: "I understand more but still learning"
Beginning: "Just starting my journey"
Near future side: "Confident in direction"
Part 2: Critical Reflection Table
Key Area Before (Initial understanding) Now (Change in thinking) Significance Future Practice
Key Areas:
Relationships with children
Partnerships with families and communities
Inclusion and diversity
Guidelines for Each Section
1. Relationships with Children
Reflect on previous understanding (Before)
Explain how your views changed (Now)
Explain why relationships are important (Significance)
Describe strategies for practice (Future Practice)
Example Insight:
Relationships support learning, identity, and emotional security.
2. Partnerships with Families and Communities
Describe earlier assumptions (Before)
Explain new understanding of collaboration (Now)
Highlight importance using EYLF Principle 2 (Significance)
Suggest strategies (Future Practice)
3. Inclusion and Diversity
Discuss earlier beliefs (Before)
Explain shift to equity and inclusion (Now)
Link to EYLF (Belonging, Being, Becoming) (Significance)
Suggest inclusive strategies (Future Practice)
Submission Format
Submit a single Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF file containing:
Assessment Cover Page
Completed assessment (Part 1 and Part 2)
Reference list (APA 7th edition)
Extensions and Late Submissions
Plan your time carefully. Late submissions will incur penalties as per institutional policy.
Assessment Criteria Overview
1. Bridge Design, Meaning & Representation
Clear representation of growth and learning
Use of symbols, words, and artefacts
Alignment with professional journey
2. Relationships with Children
Reflection on beliefs
Evidence of change
Strong justification and strategies
3. Partnerships with Families & Communities
Understanding collaboration
Practical strategies
Professional relevance
4. Inclusion and Diversity
Understanding equity and inclusion
Anti-bias approach
Practical inclusive strategies
5. Writing & Referencing
Clear structure and academic writing
Minimum 5 academic sources
APA 7 referencing
Word count: 1500 words
References: Minimum 5 references