A Basic Approach to Professionalism

1. Chapter 1 • Child Care as a Profession A Basic Approach to Professionalism Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC

2. Traditional Washington STARS In order to pass this training, this is what you must do: Passing the OnlinE STARS Training 1. Read course materials provided in the lessons 2. Sufficiently complete all chapter assignments 3. Participate in Student Forum Discussion Board Assignments 4. Submit an evaluation form with a valid STARS ID number

3. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Chapter Topics This course focuses on licensing standards, professionalism, family involvement, and communicating with parents. The final activity allows participants to reflect back over the training and identify what they have learned.

4. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Responsibility Chapter 1 Child Care as a Profession When you accept an early childhood position, you agree to fulfill certain responsibilities. You agree to do the job for which your employer is paying you. First and foremost, you are responsible for complying with all center policies and Washington State Department of Early Learning licensing regulations. An early childhood professionals’ role is to provide the children with developmentally appropriate, responsive care. You must also adhere to the ethical standards of the profession, as set forth in NAEYC'S Code of Ethical Conduct.

5. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Responsibility Chapter 1 Child Care as a Profession You have a responsibility to maintain and contribute to the quality of the program. To do this, you must have good attendance and be punctual. You should also have a professional appearance, model a positive attitude, and maintain confidentiality. When necessary, you are also responsible for seeking help from your supervisor. Your employer has a responsibility to create a quality work environment.

6. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Positive Attitude Chapter 1 Child Care as a Profession Much of your success as a child care professional will depend on your attitude. Your attitude is your outlook on life– the ways in which you think about or act toward others. Finding great pleasure in teaching requires a positive attitude. This attitude enables you to see the potential in any child, parent, staff member, situation, or idea. Instead of seeing limitations, you seek opportunities.

7. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Positive Attitude Chapter 1 Child Care as a Profession People with positive attitude want to do well. They take responsibility for their decisions. Child care professionals who have a positive attitude view working with young children as a chance for continuous learning. They seek knowledge about child development, guidance, and curriculum. These professional caregivers are easy to recognize on the job. They welcome suggestions on improving their skills for working with young children. Employers enjoy workers who demonstrate a positive attitude.

8. A Basic Approach to Professionalism CDA Credential Chapter 1 Child Care as a Profession Are you interested in pursuing child care as a career? The CDA is a national credential awarded to early childhood professionals who have shown they have met the beginning level competencies needed for working with young children. It is a significant accomplishment and an option for starting a successful career in early childhood education. The Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) meets the educational requirements to be a director of any size child care center in Washington State.

9. A Basic Approach to Professionalism CDA Credential Chapter 1 Child Care as a Profession • Summary of the CDA Process • 120 hours of online training • Order the Direct Assessment Application from CDA Council • Create Professional Resource File: • Autobiography • Statements of Competence • Resource Collection • Collect Parent Opinion Questionnaires • Observation and Assessment • Prepare Direct Assessment Application to send to CDA Council • Verification visit with the CDA Council On average, students complete the full CDA process in about one year. The online CDA training package is $399. A payment plan is available. For more information, go to www.cdatraining.org

10. A Basic Approach to Professionalism Chapter 1 Child Care as a Profession Click here to launch Chapter 1 Assessment 2