Professional BehaviorsThe Basics:

Show up at work everyday, and on timeMaintain good hygieneDress appropriatelyFollow the rulesMake sure you understand that your

employer expects a “full day’s work for a full day’s pay”

Professional BehaviorsAbility to Communicate (verbal and

written):Be an efficient and accurate communicator—

poor spelling and grammar label you as less than competent

Skill at grasping ideas:How well you understand directions and apply

common sense is another important aspect of your overall success

Professional BehaviorsGood Interpersonal Skills: Are

you a team player? Do you understand the team approach? A service mind-set will make you more accessible to your co-workers and your families

Flexibility: Are you afraid of change? How receptive are you to new situations?

Professional BehaviorsInitiative:

Do you take responsibility for your actions or do you blame others? A problem solving approach is a valuable asset

Energy Level:Can’t function without your coffee?

Demonstrate a desire and a capacity to move things ahead

Professional BehaviorsPositive Attitude:

How well do you get along with others? This may be a key factor in determining your contribution to the team

Remember...Leave your personal problems at the door!

What NOT to WearIf you want to be perceived as a professional, you need to dress Accordingly. Enough said.

National Association of Young ChildrenWorld's largest organization working on behalf

of young children:Nearly 100,000 membersNational network of over 300 local, state, and regional

AffiliatesGrowing global alliance of like-minded organization

Membership is open to all individuals who share a desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of all young children

Dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, focusing on the quality of educational and developmental services from birth through age 8

NAEYC Core ValuesStandards of ethical behavior in early

childhood care and education are based on commitment to core values that are deeply rooted in the history of our field. We have committed ourselves to:

Appreciating childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle

Basing our work with children on knowledge of child development

Core ValuesAppreciating and supporting the close ties

between the child and familyRecognizing that children are best understood

and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society

Respecting the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual(child, family member, and colleague)

Helping children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust, respect, and positive regard

Professional Behaviors for ECEMaintain high standards of quality childcare

through consistency and dedicationProject a professional business atmosphereSeek continuing education on an ongoing basisExpand and manage your resourcesDevelop a partnership with parentsNetwork with other ECE professionalsTake a leadership role and share your knowledge and talents

10 Behaviors Parents Expect From A Professional CaregiverCommunicationCommon SenseLoving HeartProfessionalismReliabilityRole ModelShared childrearing

philosophyKid-friendly

environmentEstablished rules and

guidelinesMutual respect

Caring For YourselfIf you don’t take good care of

yourself, you can’t possibly provide good care to others. Be sure you:Get enough sleep each nightHave a substitute caregiver lined up in

case of emergency or illness; take regular breaks

Every morning, find something positive to say about yourself; remind yourself that what you do is important, and that you are a professional

Exercise regularlyQuit smoking, or at least cut down

Caring For YourselfEat regular meals from all five

food groupsMAKE time for your friends

and hobbiesAvoid listening to people with a

negative and unpleasant outlook

Do something for yourself that is NOT related to childcare or children in any way

Don’t take on all the problems of all the children in the world; accept the things you cannot change

Remember: If you care for yourself, you will be better able to care for others

NAEYC Statement of CommitmentAs an individual who works with young children, I commit myself to furthering the values of early childhood education as they are reflected in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. To the best of my ability I will:

Statement of CommitmentEnsure that

programs for young children are based on current knowledge of child development and early childhood education

Statement of Commitment

Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children.

Statement of Commitment

Respect colleagues in early childhood education and support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

Statement of Commitment

Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their teachers in community and society.

Statement of Commitment

Maintain high standards of professional conduct.

Statement of CommitmentRecognize how personal values,

opinions, and biases can affect professional judgment.

Statement of Commitment

Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others

Statement of Commitment

Continue to learn, grow, and contribute as a professional