An early childhood classroom should reinforce and enhance young children's sense of belonging and connection to their environment, each other, their families, and their community. Rethinking the Classroom Landscape invites educators and administrators to rethink the traditional classroom, with inspirational examples showing how to weave elements that reflect each centre's community into the classroom design. Colourful photos show what teachers can do to encourage a sense of community unique to each classroom. Easy-to implement ideas and strategies are based on five guideposts that help educators create early childhood environments that vividly connect children, adults, and the surrounding community. These community environments include connections to past and present, geography, typography, flora, and fauna.
With over 45 years of experience in the early care and education field and a doctorate in education, Dr. Duncan has extensive experience in working with young children and parents, teaching at the university level (doctorate students and early childhood students), PDA specialist for CDA candidates, designing and writing professional development programs for practitioners, and authoring several teacher resource books including
Inspiring Spaces for Young Children and
Rating Observation Scale for Inspiring Environments (ROSIE). As the former owner of eleven early childhood programs (i.e., well baby clinic, reading diagnostic clinic, park and recreation, programs for special rights children, preschool, and child care) and current owner of eleven before- and after-school programs serving over 1,100 school agers for three public school systems, Dr. Duncan has a wide and varied background in early care and education. Most importantly, she is the proud grandma of Sierra Elizabeth.
Jody Martin has a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Child Development and over 25 years of extensive and diverse experience in the early childhood field. She has been a preschool teacher, a center director, and a curriculum manager. Currently, she is the Vice President of Education and Training at the Home Office for Crème de la Crème Early Learning Centers of Excellence. She has also authored articles for several early childhood publications and is a reviewer for several curriculum publishers. She is a dynamic presenter and recognized leader in the field of early childhood education with a commitment to providing quality programs for children.
Rebecca Kreth entered the field of early learning more 30 years ago, earning degrees in early childhood education, and counseling psychology. She has worked with young children, their families, and communities through numerous educational and wellness practices. Her range of experience includes work as an early learning professional, training provision for early learning professionals, child and family counseling services, early childhood mental health consulting, and most recently as a grants manager.
Rebecca has Anishinaabe heritage, and has served the Native community through the Office of Indian Education and Puget Sound Educational Service District. Rebecca has presented at both regional and national conferences, and her work continues to reflect a deep connection and commitment to the equity of educational opportunities for all young children, their families, and communities.
