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.

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’.

Glencoe Child Care Today: Becoming an Early Childhood Professional prepares students for rewarding careers in early childhood care. Features include: Online modules prepare students for the CDA credential New, hands-on approach includes unit-length Child Care Portfolio Projects and chapter-based Child Care Lab activities, the perfect tools to prepare for SkillsUSA and FCCLA competitive events Full-page Pathway to College and Pathway to Your Career features include career cluster guidance, portfolio-building activities, education and training, and 21st Century Skills Point of use academic integration and science, math, and language arts correlations help meet Perkins mandates Financial Literacy features with math integration help students learn the basics of managing money and budgets Accessible style and activities help students review, practice, observe, and apply what they learn.

Emphasizing the director's responsibility as a leader of both people and programs, DEVELOPING AND ADMINISTERING A CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION PROGRAM, Eighth Edition, covers the business and interpersonal skills child development professionals need to implement an effective program for young children and their families. In this thoroughly updated Eighth Edition, authors Sciarra, Dorsey, Lynch and Adams provide practical information on all aspects of directing a program, including a brand new chapter on curriculum; funding; budgeting; selecting, training, and supervising staff; housing the program and purchasing equipment; working with children and parents; accrediting and licensing an early childhood center; and carrying out program evaluation.