My beliefs and values ​​about early childhood education are based on the understanding that all children are unique individuals who need a caring, nurturing, and safe environment in which to grow and develop socially , emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Children under the age of three are at critical stages of development, I am convinced that a quality childcare environment will have a positive impact on a child's development and make a significant difference in a child's life and of his family. My philosophy of early childhood education and the elements I believe are necessary to develop a developmentally appropriate child care environment are rooted in my views and beliefs about experimentalism, progressivism, multiculturalism, and the influence of philosophers such as Dewey, Piaget, Montessori and Vygotsky. . Furthermore, I believe that young children will thrive and grow in developmentally appropriate child care programs that possess the following elements: (1) teachers who see themselves as intentional, responsive, and respectful facilitators of learning, (2) the ability to build a community of learners, (3) implement an effective curriculum that allows children to explore their natural curiosity about the world. While there are many educational philosophies, the two that most inform my beliefs about early childhood education are experimentalism and progressivism. John Dewey's experimentalism “saw thought and action as a unified flow of continuous experience” (Gutek, 2009, p. 81). I see the world as a constantly evolving place; therefore, I believe in teaching children to solve problems by examining and making discoveries based on real-life experiences. Combined with my experientialist outlook, I value aspects of early childhood teachers, I will continue to encourage them to grow as professionals to ensure they provide caring, nurturing care, and a safe environment that promotes the growth and development of young children. My philosophy of early childhood education reminds me of why I do the work I do. Remember that children are active, curious individuals who will grow up to be active, curious, and hopefully productive members of society. It all starts at birth. Works Cited Bredekamp, ​​S., & Copple, C. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood programs. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children. Gutek, G. L. (2009). New perspectives on philosophy and education. Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson.Mooney, C. G. (2000). An introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erickson, Piaget and Vygotsky. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.