Fostering practice-based philosophy in Early Childhood Educators: Reflections on developing a pedagogic creed

This chapter discusses a final year undergraduate module entitled Developing my Pedagogical Creed, which concludes BA (Hons.) Early Childhood Education programme offered at the University of Hertfordshire. The chapter reflects upon the original conception of the module and identifies various factors that were taken into account when deciding on the most appropriate philosophical/theoretical works to best support emerging Early Childhood practitioners in the development of their own professional attitudes and beliefs. The emphasis is on the ways in which students are encouraged to view the module as a means of developing a certifiable, pedagogical ‘toolkit’ comprised of their own unique values in the context of Early Childhood practice. Further explanation and justification are proffered in order to champion and endorse our proposal that the potential to practice, uphold and defend one’s ‘creed’ is a fundamental requirement for all Early Childhood professionals. Lastly, the chapter closes by suggesting how the Developing my Pedagogical Creed module’s principal ethos and overarching ‘philosophy’ might support all Early Childhood practitioners to enhance their individual pedagogies and other educational practices.