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

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.

“This book on professionalism by Stephanie Feeney stands to elevate the field. It introduces the idea of a wider and deeper set of dispositions and skills that are required of teachers if we're ever going to realize true reform and bring about excellence for young children.”

Sherry Cleary

Executive Director

New York City Early Childhood Professional Development Institute

The City University of New York

In this groundbreaking book Stephanie Feeney addresses the topic of professionalism and how insights gained from the study of professions can contribute to practice in the field of early childhood education. She offers an approach to looking at professionalism that reflects the unique history, mission and knowledge base of the field of early childhood education.

In it she discusses:

·      the nature of professions,

·      the professional status of early childhood education,

·      knowledge and skills that are needed to work effectively with young children (technical competence),

·      professional behaviors needed by early childhood educators including communication skills, work ethic,

        and professional ethics (moral competence), and

·      personal attributes that are desirable for those who work with young children.

Because experiences in the early years are so important, those who work with young children need to exhibit a high degree of professionalism in their day-to-day work with children. This book was written to guide them in providing the high standards of nurturing education and care that young children need to support their development.