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 leader 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 in her newest resource, Professionalism in Early Childhood Education: Doing Our Best for Young Children. 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.

Pathways to Professionalism in Early Childhood Education and Care is concerned with a growing interest from policy and research in the professionalisation of the early childhood workforce. Illustrated by in-depth case studies of innovative and sustainable pathways to professionalisation, it recognises the importance of a systemic approach to professionalisation across all levels of the early childhood. The authors of this wide-ranging book share insights of professionalism from various European countries and suggest that professionalism in early childhood unfolds best in a ‘competent system’. This book considers a broad range of international issues including Continuous professional support and quality Early Childhood education and care staff with different qualifications in professional development processes. How personal attitudes and competence of educators are related to the wider system of competent teams, leadership, collaboration across services and competent governance From research to policy: the case of early childhood and care Pathways to Professionalism in Early Childhood Education and Care is a crucial and fascinating read for professionals working in the sector and contributes to broadening views on what professionalism in early childhood can mean within a ‘competent system’.

The professionalism of the early childhood sector has gained prominence on the policy agendas of many countries. National pedagogical frameworks or curricula and an upsurge of pathways to gaining or upgrading qualifications has led to a pervasive terminology of professionalism. Yet, despite the pervasiveness of this terminology, the question of what professionalism means in early years contexts remains open to debate. This book draws together the work of an international group of scholars who have engaged with this question. They ask: How can professionalism be conceptualised in early childhood settings? How might one act professionally in increasingly diverse and changing social and cultural contexts? Do we have a common ground of understanding about these terms? Are there key concepts that can be agreed upon? Drawing on research and experience across a wide range of national contexts, this book seeks an understanding of early childhood professionalism in local contexts that might throw light on the global implications of this term. This book was published as a special issue in the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal.

Turning passion into practice as a professional early childhood educator Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional is an inspiring introduction to the world of early childhood education, preparing the teachers of tomorrow to reach their full potential in their schools and communities. Written by a diverse and experienced author team, this text engages readers to connect contemporary educational and developmental theory and research to developmentally appropriate practices and applications that are easily implemented in the classroom. In response to today′s ever-changing educational environment, the text focuses on both the importance of taking personal and professional responsibility, as well as today′s issues in diversity—from supporting children with exceptionalities to supporting children and families in broader cultural contexts.

Professionalism in the Early Years reflects the new government agenda demanding higher levels of professionalism in the Early Years sector, as set out in the Children's Workforce Strategy. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Children's Workforce Development Council(CWDC) aim to transform and professionalise the early years workforce through the creation of new roles, such as the Early Years Professional (EYP), for those leading and working in Children's Centres and in the private and voluntary sector.This text is written by national and international authorities in the field, all of whom are involved in teaching, training and research or at policy level. The editors have been closely involved with development of the government agenda on professionalising the Early Years workforce.Professionalism in the Early Years covers a wide range of issues including: DT routes to professionalism; DT policy developments; DT multi-professional collaboration and multi-agency working; DT international perspectives; DT rethinking professionalism; DT key themes and issues within the Early Yearsworkforce. A truly groundbreaking publication for a new generation of the Children's Workforce, Professionalism in the Early Years sets out the agenda to shape the future of this workforce. Student-friendly, accessible and authoritative, this is the ideal core reader for all those embarking on theirprofessional development within the Early Years sector.

Providing international examples and theoretical discussions on the challenges and rewards of working in the early years, this book seeks to identify, recognise and celebrate those who work in early years education.

With the rapid change experienced by the Early Years Workforce over recent times, this book considers what constitutes professionalization in the sector, and what this means in practice. Bringing a critical perspective to the developing knowledge and understanding of early years practitioners at various stages of their professional development, it draws attention to key themes and issues. Chapters are written by leading authorities, and provide case studies, question and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking. Topics covered include: - constructions of professional identities - men in the early years - multi-disciplinary working in the early years - professionalization in the nursery - early childhood leadership and policy Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book is highly relevant to those studying at Masters level, and has staggered levels of Further Reading, that encourage reflection and progression.