Competency 6 – Details

Competency Standard VI: To maintain a commitment to professionalism

Functional Area 13: Professionalism

Candidate makes decisions based on knowledge of research-based early childhood practices, promotes high-quality in-child care services and takes advantage of opportunities to improve knowledge and competence, both for personal and professional growth and for the benefit of children and families.

Item 13.1 — Candidate commits to highest standards for professional practices

Indicator:

  1. Protects the confidentiality of information about children, their families and the child care program
    • Examples
      • Discusses sensitive issues with discretion, only with appropriate staff, following up on their resolution
      • Observes strict confidentiality regarding the private issues of children and families, except as required by laws for reporting child abuse and neglect
      • Informs parents of confidentiality policy
  2. Conducts her/himself in a professional manner at all times
    • Examples
      • Demonstrates a clear understanding of job expectations
      • Has a positive attitude and work ethic, maintaining energy and enthusiasm
      • Arrives at work on time every day
      • Dresses appropriately for the responsibilities of the position
      • Displays good judgment when making decisions that affect the children in her/his care

Item 13.2 — Candidate works with other professionals and families to communicate the needs of children and families to decision makers

  1. Advocates for the needs of children and families
    • Examples
      • Advocates for additional resources for individual children or some aspect of the program
      • Promotes high quality services for children and families
      • Stands for the rights of children and families in public forums
      • Candidates seeking Bilingual Specialization must also show evidence of the following:
        • Promotes the effective functioning of the bilingual program by attempting to clarify issues relating to bilingualism and multiculturalism
        • Advocates for the needs of children and families who speak a different language and operate in a different cultural context

Item 13.3 — Candidate takes advantage of opportunities to continue professional
growth

  1. Learns about new laws and regulations affecting child care, children, and families
    • Examples
      • Keeps informed about child care practices, research, legislation and other developments in the field of early care and learning using a variety of methods, including online opportunities and digital media
      • Keeps abreast of proposed regulatory, legislative and workforce issues that affect the welfare of young children and families
      • Seeks information about laws/policies and support strategies for children and families child affected by physical/sexual abuse and neglect
  2. Takes opportunities for professional and personal development by reflecting, joining professional organizations and attending meetings, training courses and conferences
    • Examples
      • Isa “life-long learner,” continuing to gain knowledge about child development and early childhood best practices
      • Regularly reflects on own performance to identify needs for professional growth
      • Establishes contacts with other family child care providers and shares mutual concerns. Maintains an active membership in an early childhood association(s)
      • Seeks information relevant to the needs of the children in her/his care from professional resources (such as journals, community college courses, workshops, online websites/trainings, etc.)
      • Participates in Professional Learning Communities with colleagues and community members
      • Seeks feedback from a trusted mentor or coach
      • Continues to increase knowledge about child development in order to help children and parents deal with typical developmental issues (such as separation anxiety, crying,dependency, willfulness, challenging behaviors, shyness, sexual identity and making friends)
      • Increases knowledge about dual language learning and inclusion by reading, attending workshops and consulting professionals
      • Candidates seeking Bilingual Specialization must also show evidence of the following:
        • Stays informed about the latest developments in bilingual education by reading articles,attending workshops and consulting with professionals
        • Maintains and works to increase fluency in her/his second language