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You May Print or Save Handouts for Reference
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A “profession” by the dictionary’s definition is an occupation requiring considerable training and specialized study. A professional is a skilled practitioner who conforms to the standards of their profession. “Professionalism” refers to status, methods, character, or standards. For early learning professionals, this means:
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Our national professional organization, National Association for the Education of Young Children, defines early childhood professionals as:
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"Individuals who provide direct services to young children (from birth through age 8) and their families, as well as those who administer the programs in which these individuals work and those who provide professional development for these individuals."
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Code of Ethics Your professional organization, NAEYC, has written a handy guide to help you know what it means to be a professional. The Code of Ethics outlines our professional core values and describes our relationship with:
- Children
- Families
- Colleagues
- The community and society
The Code of Ethics includes a section on Ideals and Principles, and a Statement of Commitment at the end. The Ideals and Principles section can be used as a guide to help you make tough decisions that come up in your work. The Statement of Commitment lists the fundamental moral obligations of a professional working in the field of early childhood care and education.
Optional Online Resources for Further Study
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