To reflect upon perceptions of the characteristics of men, women and early years practitioners

Aim

To reflect upon perceptions of the characteristics of men, women and early years practitioners.

Evidence and reflection

Think of a woman you admire and a man you admire. They do not have to be ECEC practitioners but should be people you know. List the key characteristics of their personality, e.g. committed to a cause, loyal, consistent.
Now list key characteristics of an effective early years practitioner.
What crossovers are there? What differences?

Extension

How does this inform your image of ECEC as a gendered occupation?

More in this chapter

• To reflect upon what you feel the role of the early years practitioner should be
• To reflect upon your own decision to work in ECEC.
• To reflect upon whether your practice and your philosophy are always compatible
• To re-consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• To reflect upon the ideas of ‘school readiness’ and ‘school unreadiness’
• To deepen your understanding of a child
• To understand our perceptions of children and their families
• To review the learning of a child in the light of Susan Hart’s Framework for Innovative Thinking