Samantha King

Standard 6: Becoming a Professional

Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs identify and conduct themselves as
members of the early childhood profession. They know and use ethical guidelines and other
professional standards related to early childhood practice. They are continuous, collaborative
learners who demonstrate knowledgeable, reflective and critical perspectives on their work,
making informed decisions that integrate knowledge from a variety of sources. They are
informed advocates for sound educational practices and policies.
6a. Identifying and involving oneself with the early childhood field
6b. knowing about and upholding ethical standards and other early childhood professional
guidelines
6c. Engaging in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice; using technology
effectively with young children, with peers, and as a professional resource.
6d. Interacting knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on early education
6e. Engaging in informed advocacy for young children and the early childhood profession
Knowledge and Competence:
My understanding of becoming a professional is that it is my personal responsibility to take a
stand for all children and for the importance of quality early childhood education. It is my
understanding that as I take on the role as a teacher or caregiver, I am taking on a huge task that
requires me to be whole-heartedly involved in making a difference in childrens lives. This
means I would uphold ethical standards and other professional guidelines in my center as well as
the ones I personally have. It is my duty to continue to learn daily about children,
developmentally appropriate practice, and other techniques. As a professional, I will never stop
learning, practicing, and trying to make sure I am the best I can be for my children and for
myself.
Application:
I will apply what I know by staying up to date with current studies, practices, and findings. I will
never be set in my ways where I consider myself all-knowing and will not change. Instead, I
will be open to new suggestions and practices and apply them if they are developmentally
appropriate for the children I have. I will also advocate for children on a daily basis. An early
childhood professional should desire well-being for all children and I will be an example of that.
Growth Over Time:
I have changed my understanding of becoming a professional because I thought after I had taken
courses, I would understand almost everything about children. Although I have learned and a lot
and grew in my knowledge and understanding, I still do not know everything. I learned that it is
important to keep learning, rather than trying to know it all. Any professional, such as an athlete,
never stops learning or practicing. I have grown in this area because I learned a professional does
 Samantha King

not mean they have all the answers. Rather, a professional actively seeks answers every day they
work with children.
Future Goals:
I hope to grow and improve in this standard by becoming a better advocate. I want to be more
involved in making a difference in a childs life. I understand that is my job to stand up for the
children and give them a voice because they cannot. Its my goal to find ways I can be an
advocate and teach over caregivers and teachers to do the same through my example.