ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors focus on the educational philosophies that are most likely to be encountered in early care and education settings. They believe that a portfolio begins-and ultimately ends-with a carefully crafted philosophy statement. Ultimately, the philosophy statement unifies all elements within the portfolio. The philosophy statement makes explicit, and publicly communicates, their philosophical point of view and theoretical groundings-the foundational ideas that are consistent with their larger worldview. Clear, strong, linkages between philosophy and theory ground the philosophy statement and give an educator professional credibility. Therefore, it is worth a moment to assess the people habits of mind in relation to teaching and learning in preparation for working on a philosophy statement. In model statements, clear connections are drawn between philosophical and theoretical foundations. Philosophy statements are born from close self-examination of those things that silently direct and guide an educator’s actions.
