Professionalism in Early Childhood Education: Doing Our Best for Young Children

Investigate what it means to be an early childhood professional and acquire the knowledge, skills and traits exemplary early childhood educators possess! Written for those entering the field or striving to grow within the profession, early child care authority and author, Dr. Stephanie Feeney helps readers understand the nature of the profession, what it means to behave in a professional way, and where they stand in their own professional journey. She devotes chapters to moral and technical competence and explains what the terms profession and professional mean. Complete with self-assessments and first-hand accounts, Dr. Feeney guides readers in understanding what it means to be an educator who embodies the highest standards of professionalism in their work with children, families and colleagues. Take a look inside... Explores the topic of professionalism—examines what constitutes a profession, the professional status of ECE and issues related to professionalism in ECE. Discusses what professionalism looks like in the early childhood field (Chapter 4)—includes discussion of the knowledge and skills, or what those who work with young children should know and be able to do. Addresses professional behavior (chapter 5)—features discussion of professional conduct, doing what is right, including ethical behavior Showcases exemplars in the field and provide guidance to aspiring early childhood professionals (chapter 6)—draws on the experiences of outstanding early childhood educators and illustrates ways to best serve young children. Includes reflection questions and self-assessments—helps readers examine their own practice and work toward a higher level of professionalism.

Table of Contents:
Introduction · How I came to write this book · Why address this topic now? · A note to college teachers and trainers CHAPTER 1—What is a Profession? · Origins of professions · What do the terms mean? · Criteria for determining if an occupation is a profession · A continuum of professions · How should professionals behave? · Issues regarding professions CHAPTER 2—Is Early Childhood Education a Profession? · Historical influences on the field of ECE · How does early childhood education meet the criteria for a profession? · Where do we stand? · Do we want to be a profession? · Which way should we go from here? CHAPTER 3—Personal attributes · What should early childhood educators be like? · What you bring into the world · Who you are as a person · Who you are as an educator · Knowing yourself · Final thoughts CHAPTER 4—Knowledge and Skills · Historical influences on knowledge and skills needed to teach young children · The current landscape · What should early childhood educators should know and be able to do? · How do these things come together in practice? · Final thoughts CHAPTER 5—Professional Behavior · Characteristics of professional conduct · Doing what is right—ethics and advocacy · Performing the job · Final thoughts CHAPTER 6—Aspiring to do your Best · Looking backward · Early childhood education as a “calling” · A developmental perspective · Basics and beyond · Looking forward APPENDICES A—Self Assessments B—Professional development plan C—Recommended reading D— NAEYC CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT