A thought leader is defined as someone who is “the informed opinion
leaders and the go-to people in their field of expertise. They become the
trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; turn
ideas into reality, and know and show how to replicate their success”
(Brosseau, 2021, p. 1). In other words, a thought learner is someone who
is an expert in their field, and can support and teach others about their
field. As I am becoming a thought leader, I feel drawn to the Early
Childhood development. I currently work as a child care director and work
with young children every day. As a result of this, I wanted to look further
and learn more about child development and what makes children “tick”. I
have been working with children since the age of 15 and have received
my Master’s degree in Early Childhood education. Child development
psychology is observing and understanding children growing and the
changes that they face as they grow older (Childcare.gov, 2022). By
observing children, we can see how much they change and if they are at
the level that they need to be. If this is not the case, then the child can
receive the proper support.
I believe that the individuals in this field receive their ideas from
researchers and people before us who have done studies and tests to
receive the ideas and conclusions that they have. This is starting with
Plato, and Aristotle and all of the other philosophers who are the
foundation of psychology (Johnson, 2010). More specifically within child
development, and myself personally, I receive most of my information
from my supervisor who owns the center. She has done trainings, and is
learning something new every day about child development and how
children are supported in the classroom. This information is passed down
or discovered by researchers, office of children family services, CPS, child
development psychologist and many more. This shows how impactful
every piece is and how the information travels down to the staff of the
school. Which will then, positively impact the needs of the child. A thought
leader is someone who is an expert in their field and is willing to continue
learning new information every day and I am excited to be becoming a
thought leader in the child development field.
4
References4
Childcare.gov. (2022).4Your child's development. Your Child's
Development | Childcare.gov. Retrieved from
https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/your-childs-development
Brosseau, D. (2021).4What is a thought leader?4Thought Leadership Lab.
Retrieved from https://thoughtleadershiplab.com/what-is-a-thought-
leader/
Johnson, E. (2010).4Psychology and Christianity: Five Views4(2nd ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
