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Updated April 1, 2017

Module 10: Professional Practice

Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals

Page 11
A professional development system refers to the clear pathways and requirements needed for a profession. 
This includes the position or role requirements as well as ongoing education and training opportunities to help professionals continue to grow and learn.  In Washington, we have some services in place to help you as an early learning professional. 
The Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals document (from DEL) lists eight specific content areas and five levels of proficiency.
The eight Core Competency areas for Early Care and Education Professionals are as follows: ​
1. Child Growth and Development
2. Curriculum and Learning Environment
  • Creating the learning environment and general curriculum
  • Promoting physical development
  • Promoting cognitive development
  • Promoting language and communication development
  • Promoting social/emotional development
  • Promoting creative expression
3. Ongoing Measurement of Child Progress
4. Family and Community Partnerships
  • Relationships with families
  • Use of community resources
​5. Health, Safety and Nutrition
  • Knowledge of regulations
  • Environmental safety
  • Responding to health needs of children
  • Nutrition  
6. Interactions
  • Providing individual guidance
  • Enhancing group experiences
7. Program Planning and Development
  • Program planning and evaluation
  • Personnel management
  • Financial management
8. Professional Development and Leadership
  • Displaying professionalism in practice
  • Ongoing professional growth
  • Leadership and advocacy 
This list should be familiar to you. It is the foundation for this course, the Child Care Basics.  Each Child Care Basics Module has addressed specific Core Competencies, delivered  at Core Competency Level 1.  From here on out, any professional development course or training you take will be linked to at least one Core Competency.  Your growth in these competencies can be documented online in Washington’s professional development registry, called MERIT (Managed Education and Registry Information Tool).
​Additional ideas to expand learning may be to enroll in courses, attend conferences, engage in specialized trainings, enroll in study groups, and participate in book studies. It is important that you assess your own needs.  Identify those areas where you struggle or would like to learn more.  Consult with mentors, coaches or more experienced teachers and care providers.  Ask for feedback.  We all are growing and face new challenges every day!   
Note: The school-age core competencies include similar areas, as well as two additional ones: “Cultural Competency and Responsiveness” and “Youth Empowerment.” 
​Optional Online Resources for Further Study