Artifact 1: Empowering Every Child

This project will always hold a cherished place in my heart, as it sparked a passion I had never anticipated discovering. Delving into my creative potential and designing innovative support tailored for children who confront daily challenges has been an incredibly uplifting experience. I meticulously crafted the activities with the child’s unique needs in mind, allowing me to forge a deep connection with the critical importance of developmental stages in early childhood.

Gaining a deeper understanding of developmental stages and engaging in thoughtful analysis is essential to my role as an educator. This journey has underscored the importance of tailoring support to meet each child's unique needs. It has equipped me to approach my responsibilities with a balanced blend of knowledge, creativity, and heartfelt compassion, ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and empowered in their growth.

Through this project, I have demonstrated critical thinking by applying theories and knowledge to develop enhanced support for a child with special needs. This practical application highlights my ability to translate educational principles into meaningful, individualized strategies that make a tangible difference in a child’s learning experience.

Artifact 2: The Ecology and Pedagogy of Place

Another artifact that holds great value for me is the concept of ecology and the pedagogy of place. This project has been a humbling experience, helping me to deeply appreciate the importance of acknowledging and respecting the land. Being in close connection with the land, experiencing its essence, and feeling a sense of unity with it brings me immense gratitude for the interconnectedness of all living things. I have incorporated this understanding into my practice by using learning materials that highlight the significance of the land and its enduring legacy, which has been passed down through generations.

An example of a 3D map I created represents a specific "spot" that I observed during multiple visits, experiencing its transformation under various weather conditions, including rainy and sunny days.

Artifact 3: Empower your Indigenous Preschooler

The Indigenous project I completed is an essential addition to my portfolio due to its profound importance and the pressing issues that many Indigenous families may be quietly enduring. This assignment significantly broadened my understanding and deepened my appreciation for their lives, struggles, and resilience. As an educator, I recognize my responsibility to bridge the gap in understanding by approaching each family's unique perspectives with empathy, respect, and without bias. It is also my responsibility to stay informed about the advocacies these families are calling to action, ensuring my practice supports their voices and contributes to meaningful change.

Figure 17. Screenshot taken by A. Libed

Figure 19. Screenshot taken by A. Libed

Figure 18. Baby gym. Photo taken by A. Libed

Figure 20. Booster seat. Photo taken by A. Libed

Figure 21. Gallery walk. Photo taken by R. Lambert

Figure 22. 3D map. Photo taken by A. Libed

Figure 23. 3D map. Photo taken by A. Libed

Figure 24. Screenshot taken by A. Libed

Bonus Artifact Inspiration

As a bonus artifact, I included my community plan, developed as a culminating activity for my field placement. This addition is particularly meaningful to me because it marks a significant milestone: organizing my first charity initiative. By incorporating this experience into my portfolio, I aimed to showcase its profound impact on my growth as a leader and advocate. This initiative allowed me to combine teaching with the promotion of empathy, generosity, and social awareness, highlighting the vital role of early childhood educators in fostering these values. It also extended these efforts to community collaboration and capacity building, demonstrating how educators can inspire collective action for the greater good.

Figure 25. Screenshot taken by A. Libed.

Figure 28. Educator teaching about the donation drive. Photo taken by A. Libed.

Figure 26. Screenshot taken by A. Libed.

Figure 27. Hallway setup. Photo taken by A. Libed.

Figure 29. Donation area. Photo taken by A. Libed.

Figure 31. Donation area. Photo taken by a colleague.

Figure 30. Donation area. Photo taken by a colleague.