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Influence of Values

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The Influence of Societal and Personal Values
Educators' personal values heavily influence Early Childhood programming.  Examining educators' inherited social and personal values and beliefs about children and education is essential for critically reflecting and leading effectively in ECE contexts.

These values and beliefs are shaped by historical and contemporary societal influences, experiences, and theoretical foundations. It is important to understand where we have come from and consider the possibilities for the future. 





Expand each heading to explore definitions of "Societal" and "Personal" values: 

While personal values are unique to the individual, social values are shared across groups. Social and personal values often become so ingrained that we do not question or reflect on them. 

Our values often influence how we view children and interact and what experiences we offer children. 

Consider

  • What is your view or image of the child? 
  • How have societal and personal values influenced this? 
  • How does it influence your interactions in early years spaces? 
  • What if we allow these values to overtake current evidence-based practices? 
  • What happens when an Educator's values and understanding of children don't align with the centre's philosophy or with those of the other Educators in the centre? 
  • What if they do not align with research-based practices, human rights, or frameworks for ethical practice?

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