Professional Practice

Category: Conduct

PP 1.1 Can identify culturally responsive early childhood professional practices that are informed by theory and research. 

PP 2.1 Can identify the NAEYC* Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Professionals and the difference between ethics and personal values.  

*National Association for the Education of Young Children

PP 3.1 Can describe the importance of collaboration, confidentiality, and respect for all adults who work in early childhood settings as well as for all children and families. 

PP 4.1 Can describe the appropriate channels for professional conflict resolution based on program policies and/or professional code(s) of ethical conduct. Uses an anti-racist/anti-bias lens.

Category: Reflective and Continuous Professional Development

PP 5.1 Can describe the components of a personal professional development plan. 

PP 6.1 Can identify professional resources and professional development opportunities at local, state, and national level to increase knowledge and improve practices in all domains. Opportunities could include conferences, professional organizations, local training opportunities, college courses, etc. 

PP 7.1 Can describe the characteristics of and impact on children and families of early childhood professionals’ mental health and resilience, including self-care strategies. 

PP 8.1 Can describe coaching and mentoring and the importance of these activities in developing a reflective early childhood practice. 

PP 9.1 Can describe reflective practice and its benefits. 

Category: Advocacy

PP 10.1 Can describe basic advocacy skills to increase awareness and/or promote change.

Category: Program Mission, Policies, and Procedures

PP 11.1 Can explain the importance of program policies and procedures. 

PP 12.1 Can explain program mission, values, philosophy, goals and objectives in the context of daily activities. 

PP 13.1 Can describe program risk management policies (policies that reduce the possible risk of accident or injury) using an anti-racist/anti-bias lens. 

PP 14.1 Can locate and describe state and national standards that promote quality (e.g. Quality Rating and Improvement Systems, NAEYC Accreditation of Programs for Young Children). 

Category: Job Knowledge and Teamwork

PP 15.1 Can explain own job description and the professional expectations of the organization. 

PP 16.1 Can describe the characteristics of a culturally responsive team and the benefits of a positive and culturally responsive working environment. 

Category: Conduct

PP 1.2 Implements a personal and culturally responsive philosophy of early childhood professional practice that is informed by theory and research. 

PP 2.2 Applies the NAEYC Code of Ethics and position statements, including the equity statement, into their practice. 

PP 3.2  Implements culturally responsive, anti-racist/anti-bias practices that demonstrate collaboration, confidentiality, sensitivity, and respectful communication with adults who work in early childhood settings and all children and families. 

PP 4.2 Demonstrates adult self-regulation and conflict resolution strategies with colleagues in daily interactions and when working as a team. 

Category: Reflective and Continuous Professional Development

PP 5.2 Develops a personal professional development plan and goals at least annually based on reflections of current culturally responsive, anti-racist/anti-bias care and education practice. Does so in consultation with program director, coach, mentor, or trainer as needed. 

PP 6.2 Uses local, state, and national professional resources. Participates in professional development opportunities (i.e., conferences, professional organizations, local training opportunities, college courses) to increase knowledge and skills related to current trends and research-based practices that are anti-racist/anti-bias, culturally and linguistically responsive.

PP 7.2  Implements self-care and well-being strategies to support early childhood professionals’ mental health and promotion of resilience. 

PP 8.2 Actively participates in coaching or other mentoring. Adjusts practices based on data, reflection, collaboration and feedback. 

PP 9.2 Routinely participates in reflective practice activities.

Category: Advocacy

PP 10.2 Uses advocacy skills to increase awareness and/or promote change that supports young children, families, early childhood professionals, and the overall early childhood care and learning field. Acts in an anti-racist/anti-bias manner. 

Category: Program Mission, Policies, and Procedures

PP 11.2 Implements program policies and procedures using an anti-bias/anti-racist lens.

PP 12.2 Applies and supports the program's mission, values, goals, and philosophy through implementing daily developmentally appropriate objectives and activities that meet the needs of all children (every child regardless of culture, gender, age, race, ability, etc.) including those with special needs and those who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

PP 13.2 Implements culturally responsive practices that support program risk management policies. Uses an anti-racist/anti-bias lens. 

PP 14.2 Implements state and national standards that promote quality using an anti-racist/anti-bias lens. 

Category: Job Knowledge and Teamwork

PP 15.2 Participates in new employee orientation, including substitute early childhood professionals, and subsequent meetings and trainings. 

PP 16.2 Uses effective anti-racist/anti-bias teamwork strategies to implement a welcoming and positive working environment for all colleagues, administrators, and volunteers, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse. 

Category: Conduct

PP 1.3 Analyzes and integrates program philosophy into own culturally responsive philosophy of education. 

PP 2.3  Plans and integrates the NAEYC Code of Ethics and position statements, including the equity statement, in all areas of practice. 

PP 3.3 Plans and integrates culturally responsive, anti-racist/anti-bias practices that support collaboration, confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect of community stakeholders, staff, children, families, and volunteers. 

PP 4.3 Integrates policies, procedures, and best practices which support effective communication, conflict resolution and teamwork, through an anti-racist/anti-bias lens.

Category: Reflective and Continuous Professional Development

PP 5.3 Integrates into practice the skills and knowledge achieved through the use of a professional development plan. 

PP 6.3 Integrates skills and knowledge gained from professional development opportunities and professional resources into procedures and practice. Determines further development that is needed for continuous growth.  

PP 7.3 Reflects on steps taken to implement self-care and well-being strategies to support early childhood professionals’ mental health. Adjusts as necessary to continue to build resilience. 

PP 8.3 Integrates supportive working relationships that include coaching, mentoring, and feedback opportunities on a consistent and continuous basis. 

PP 9.3 Plans and integrates opportunities for reflective practice.

Category: Advocacy

PP 10.3 Integrates advocacy skills to promote change throughout professional practices.

Category: Program Mission, Policies, and Procedures

PP 11.3 Reflects upon own practice to ensure that program policies and procedures are followed and integrated throughout professional practice. 

PP 12.3 Plans and integrates the program's mission, values, goals and philosophy in all areas of practice including communication with families, community resource partners, and with other professionals that may provide support.

PP 13.3 Plans and integrates culturally responsive practices aligned with program risk management policies. 

PP 14.3 Uses self-assessment and evaluation activities to develop program improvement plans that are culturally and linguistically responsive. 

Category: Job Knowledge and Teamwork

PP 15.3 Integrates and adheres to program policy and procedures, while integrating skills and knowledge gained through staff meetings and training across all areas of practice. Consults program director, licensing specialist, or appropriate regulatory agency when questions arise and clarifications are needed. Adjusts as needed.

PP 16.3 Reflects upon own behavior as a culturally responsive team member and participates in anti-racist/anti-bias training to continually improve practice.