ECED 105: Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Professional Portfolio Assignment

Introduction A Professional Portfolio documents your experience and competence as an early childhood

practitioner. A portfolio allows you to create an authentic portrait of yourself as a practitioner in much the same

way that a child’s portfolio presents a multi-dimensional picture of the child. A professional portfolio has a number of uses, including:

o As documentation of your knowledge, abilities, dispositions and attitudeso When you are interviewed for a job;o When your job performance is evaluated by your supervisor;o As a record of progress for the Hawai`i Careers With Young Children Registry Framework

steps and levels;o As a tool to help you reflect on your areas of strengths and weaknesses, ando As a tool to help you focus on your professional and educational goals and objectives.

A Professional Portfolio contains information about the individual (autobiography, resume, etc.), documentation of the individual’s knowledge and abilities in the form of artifacts (samples of work for example), and reflections that demonstrate the individual’s values, beliefs, attitudes, dispositions and ability to reflect upon and learn from experience.

The Professional Portfolio that you begin in this unit will be useful to you for as long as you continue a career in Early Care and Education. If you continue to work toward an AS degree in early childhood at Honolulu Community College, you will find that instructors in other classes will help you identify items, some from course assignments, which may be appropriate artifacts or reflections to include in your Portfolio. You will be expected to complete the Portfolio as an assignment in the final Field Experience course for the AS degree. Students who have begun their Portfolios early in their careers have reported that they have been able to see their growth in understanding and skill as they have added to and revised their Portfolios over time.

What You Will Do For the purposes of this assignment you will turn in some of the foundational pieces of your

Professional Portfolio. o Compile the following sections and related documents in a 3 ring binder. Please

create clearly written divider/tabs (one for each section) to help you to organize your binder. You will create a short video (3 mins) showing each section of the portfolio.

The items listed must be included in your assignment to receive full credit. You may also include pictures of yourself working with children or samples of your work in

appropriate Documentation of Professional Competence areas (optional). Do not include items that are not representations of your knowledge and abilities and your own work. Please do not include items that belong in a resource file like articles. All the documents in the portfolio should be created and written by you.

This assignment will have three main sections with documents in each section and a title page.

1. Introduction • Write an Autobiography: 1-2 pages (250-500 words maximum)

o The focus should be on the significant relationships and events that led you to consider early education and care as a career (not your whole life story)

• Write a Professional mission statement or purpose as an early educator (or supporter of ECE)• Write a "Working draft" of your philosophy of education and care• Create a Resume in a simple format that summarizes your educational qualifications and work experience

2. Documentation of Professional Competence Create separate sections labeled for each of the areas:

Child Growth and Development Professionalism

o In the Professionalism section, write a Reflection on “What It Means To Be a Professional”

o Provide a copy of the NAEYC Statement of Commitment from the Code of Ethical Conduct with your signature at the bottom.

Diversity Observation and Assessment Health, Safety and Nutrition Relationships and Guidance Observation & Assessment Learning Environment Planning Learning Experiences Working With Families Program Management

3. Training Write a preliminary career plan (no more than one page) that:

o Identifies a role or career path you would like to tryo States the educational goal that you will need to achieve in order to

qualify for the role or career patho Includes a description of how you plan to attain your educational

goal that includes:o A list courses, workshops or other professional development that

you plan to completeo Approximate dates by which you hope to complete this worko Identifies some ways you might gain work experience (e.g.

volunteering in a program, working as an aide, etc.) while you are working toward your goals

Complete a Continuing Education and Training Logo Include any in-service trainings, formal education and other related

early childhood trainingso Include copies of any certificates or diplomas that you have received

upon completion of training or coursework, if you have them

What You Will Submit Submit the following orange sections as one continuous document, saved as a .doc. Submit through Laulima ---- Assignments, Tests, Surveys

1. Title Page2. Introduction Section

Autobiography Professional Mission or Purpose Statement "Working Draft" of Philosophy of Education and Care Resume

3. Documentation of Professional Competence Section Child Growth and Development Professionalism

o In the Professionalism section, write a Reflection on “What It Means To Be a Professional”

o Provide a copy of the NAEYC Statement of Commitment from the Code of Ethical Conduct with your signature at the bottom.

Diversity Observation and Assessment Health, Safety and Nutrition Relationships and Guidance Learning Environment Planning Learning Experiences Working With Families Program Management

4. Training Section Preliminary career plan Continuing Education and Training Log

5. Completed Evaluation Rubrics

6. 3 minute video showing the different sections of the portfolio. Submit through Laulima --- Resources ---- Professional Portfolio Videos ONLY folder. Create your own folder with your name and upload your video there.

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO TEMPLATE and RESOURCES ARE ON FOLLOWING PAGES

Professional Portfolio

Table of ContentsSample

IntroductionAutobiographyProfessional MissionPhilosophy of Education and CareResume

Documentation of Professional CompetenceChild Growth and DevelopmentProfessionalismDiversityObservation and AssessmentHealth, Safety and NutritionRelationships and GuidanceLearning EnvironmentPlanning Learning ExperiencesWorking With FamiliesProgram Management

TrainingPreliminary Career PlanContinuing Education and Training

Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge (ASK)For Early Care and Education Practitioners

(use to complete Continuing Education and Training sheet)

ASK Core AreasThe ASK are standards for competent practice in ten core areas. The standards identify what early childhood practitioners must know, be able to do, and care about doing in their work with young children. The ASK Core Areas are the following:

Growth & Development: The competent early childhood practitioner understands and applies knowledge of human development in relationships with young children and families and to the design of environments and learning experiences.

Professionalism: The competent early childhood practitioner performs his or her job well, has cooperative relationships with colleagues and other professionals, is committed to growing in skill and competence, behaves ethically and advocates for children and families.

Diversity: The competent early childhood practitioner respects the diversity of the children and families with whom they work and recognizes and appreciates their shared commonalities.

Observation and Assessment: The competent early childhood practitioner uses observation and assessment to understand children, inform practice and communicate with families and other professionals.

Health, Safety & Nutrition: The competent early childhood practitioner supports the well being of young children by meeting their health, safety and nutrition needs.

Relationships & Guidance: The competent early childhood practitioner establishes positive relationships with children and families, communicates with respect, and uses guidance practices that foster self-esteem, self-reliance, and constructive behavior.

Learning Environment: The competent early childhood practitioner creates and adapts a learning environment and schedule that supports the development of particular children and groups of children, reflects their background, and responds to their changing needs and abilities.

Planning Learning Experiences: The competent early childhood practitioner understands how children learn and plans meaningful, appropriate learning experiences that enhance children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical competence.

Working With Families: The competent early childhood practitioner establishes positive and productive relationships with families and involves them in the early childhood program.

Program Management: The competent early childhood practitioner participates in the overall management of the program by supporting policies and procedures, utilizing resources thoughtfully, communicating and collaborating with colleagues and members of the community, and by participating in the assessment of the program.

The 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 ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. To the best of my ability I will Never harm children. Ensure that programs for young children are based on current

knowledge and research of child development and early childhood education.

Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children. Respect colleagues in early childhood care and education and

support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their

teachers in community and society. Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional

conduct. Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that

personal characteristics, biases and beliefs can have an impact on children and families.

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

Continue to learn, grow and contribute as a professional. Honor the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical

Conduct.________________________________

*The Statement of Commitment is not part of the Code but is a personal acknowledgement of my willingness to embrace the distinctive values and moral obligations of the field of early childhood care and education. It is recognition of the moral obligations that lead to an individual becoming part of the profession.

I, _____________________________________________________, agree to abide by the Code of

Ethical Conduct in all my endeavors as an Early Childhood Professional.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature (Date)

Early Childhood Education and Care

Continuing Education and Training LogName:

Date

Title of Training ASK Areas Addressed

Name(s) of Trainers # hrs

Certificate

My Professional PortfolioECED 105 Introduction to Early Childhood

Education[Type Your Name Here]

[Type the date here]

1

INTRODUCTION

2

My Autobiography(Add your autobiography here – no more than 2 pages, double spaced)

1

Professional Mission Statement(Add your mission statement here)

2

Education and Care Philosophy Statement

The following questions will help you to write a philosophy statement. Answer the questions then re-write them into a narrative format.These are the things I value and believe about: The purposes of early education and care:

Why children learn:

How children learn:

The role of the child in learning:

The early educator’s role:

The relationship of the environment to learning:

The nature of the my relationships withFamilies:

Colleagues:

The community:

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(Copy and paste Resume here)

4

DOCUMENTATION OF PROFESSIONAL

COMPETENCE

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Child Growth and DevelopmentThe competent early childhood practitioner understands and applies knowledge of human development in relationships with young children and families and to the design of environments and learning experiences.

6

ProfessionalismThe competent early childhood practitioner performs his or her job well, has

cooperative relationships with colleagues and other professionals, is committed to growing in skill and competence, behaves ethically and

advocates for children and families.

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What it means to be a professionalA Reflection

(Describe your journey as an early childhood professional or a supporter of early care and education)

ReflectionReflect about how you felt in the beginning. How you feel now. What it means to be an early childhood professional or a supporter of young children, families and the field.

In the future I will:

Strive to behave like a professional in these ways:

Continue to learn and grow in these ways:

Advocate for young children and their families in these ways:

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(cut and paste NAEYC Statement of Commitment here)

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DiversityThe competent early childhood practitioner respects the diversity of the

children and families with whom they work and recognizes and appreciates their shared commonalities.

10

Observation and AssessmentThe competent early childhood practitioner uses observation and

assessment to understand children, inform practice and communicate with families and other professionals.

11

Health, Safety and NutritionThe competent early childhood practitioner supports the well being of young

children by meeting their health, safety and nutrition needs.

12

Relationships and GuidanceThe competent early childhood practitioner establishes positive relationships with children and families, communicates with respect, and uses guidance practices that foster self-esteem, self-reliance, and constructive behavior.

13

Learning EnvironmentThe competent early childhood practitioner creates and adapts a learning environment and schedule that supports the development of particular children and groups of children, reflects their background, and responds to their changing needs and abilities.

14

Planning Learning ExperiencesThe competent early childhood practitioner understands how children learn

and plans meaningful, appropriate learning experiences that enhance children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical competence.

15

Working with FamiliesThe competent early childhood practitioner establishes positive and productive relationships with families and involves them in the early childhood program.

16

Program ManagementThe competent early childhood practitioner participates in the overall management of the program by supporting policies and procedures, utilizing resources thoughtfully, communicating and collaborating with colleagues and members of the community, and by participating in the assessment of the program.

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TRAINING

Preliminary Career Plan

(Be as detailed as possible, but no more than one page, please)

The role or career path I am interested in:

The educational goal that will help me to qualify for that role or path:

How I plan to obtain my educational goal:

How I will try to gain work experience along the way:

(copy and paste Continuing Education and Training Log here)

ECED 105 INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATIONProfessional Portfolio Evaluation Rubric

Points Possible: 25Evaluate yourself using the rubric below. The Honolulu Community College instructor will also evaluate your work and determine your final score. Submit this form with your assignment.Name: __________________________________________________________ Date submitted: ___________________________

ProfessionalismItem and Score Criteria 1 Beginning 2 Developing 3 Adequate 4 ExemplarySelf Instructor

Was the assignment complete?

Less than half of the assignment is complete

At least ¾ of the assignment is complete

Substantially all parts of the assignment are complete

All parts of the assignment are complete including video and documents

Is the assignment is free from typing errors?

The assignment has many typing errors.

The assignment has with some typing errors.

The assignment is largely free from typing errors.

The assignment is free from typing errors.

Is the assignment written with skill?

There are many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

There are more than a few errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

The grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct for the most part.

The grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct.

Is the assignment organized and professional?

The assignment is disorganized and untidy, not suitable for sharing with other professionals.

The assignment has a somewhat neat, professional appearance, suitable for sharing with other professionals.

The assignment is generally neat and professional in appearance, suitable for sharing with other professionals.

The assignment is exceptionally neat and professional in appearance, suitable for sharing with other professionals.

Is the self evaluation a realistic appraisal of the quality of your work?

The self-evaluation demonstrates a less than realistic appraisal of the quality of the work.

The self-evaluation demonstrates a somewhat realistic appraisal of the quality of the work.

The self-evaluation demonstrates a mostly realistic appraisal of the quality of the work.

The self-evaluation demonstrates a realistic appraisal of the quality of the work.

Subtotal Professionalism

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Completeness and QualityItem and Score Criteria 2 Beginning 4 Developing 6 Adequate 8 ExemplarySelf InstructorIntroduction

Is the autobiography written thoughtfully?

The autobiography is mostly lacking in detail about the significant relationships and events that led you to consider early education and care as a career.

The autobiography describes a few significant relationships and events that led you to consider early education and care as a career, but lacks detail.

The autobiography adequately describes the significant relationships and events that led you to consider early education and care as a career

The autobiography describes vividly and in detail the significant relationships and events that led you to consider early education and care as a career

Is the mission statement clear and thorough?

The mission statement fails to clearly state your purpose as an early childhood educator

The mission statement states your purpose as an early childhood educator but needs more coherence or precision in its wording.

The mission statement adequately states your purpose as an early childhood educator.

The mission statement clearly and concisely states your purpose as an early childhood educator, including those you serve and what you hope to achieve through this purpose.

Is the philosophy clear and thorough?

The philosophy statement minimally describes your ideas, values and beliefs about the purposes of early education and care, why children learn, how children learn, the early educator’s role, the role of the child, the relationship of the environment to learning, and the nature of your relationships with families, colleagues, and the community.

The philosophy statement describes your ideas, values and beliefs about the purposes of early education and care, why children learn, how children learn, the early educator’s role, the role of the child, the relationship of the environment to learning, and the nature of your relationships with families, colleagues, and the community in some areas, but needs more thought.

To a great extent in most areas, the philosophy statement describes your ideas, values and beliefs about the purposes of early education and care, why children learn, how children learn, the early educator’s role, the role of the child, the relationship of the environment to learning, and the nature of your relationships with families, colleagues, and the community.

To a great extent in all areas, the philosophy statement describes your ideas, values and beliefs about the purposes of early education and care, why children learn, how children learn, the early educator’s role, the role of the child, the relationship of the environment to learning, and the nature of your relationships with families, colleagues, and the community.

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Item and Score Criteria 2 Beginning 4 Developing 6 Adequate 8 ExemplarySelf Instructor

Is the resume complete and professional?

A resume format is not used or is incorrectly followed.

The resume is in a simple format but educational qualifications and work experience are hard to determine.

The resume is in a simple format and educational qualifications and work experience are easily found.

The resume is in a simple professional-looking format and educational qualifications and work experience are easily found.

Documentation of Professional CompetenceIs the Documentation of Professional Competence section complete and organized?

This section is missing areas of Professional Competence and the NAEYC Statement of Commitment.

This section includes some of the areas of Professional Competence and/or the NAEYC Statement of Commitment.

This section includes all areas of Professional Competence labeled and the NAEYC Statement of Commitment in the Professionalism and Leadership area.

This section includes all areas of Professional Competence labeled in an organized manner and the signed NAEYC Statement of Commitment in the Professionalism and Leadership area.

Is the Reflection on Professionalism clear and written thoughtfully?

The reflection minimally describes your current situation as an early childhood professional, interprets and analyzes your feelings and attitudes about what it means to be an early childhood professional, and describes a plan for future professional behavior, continuing professional growth and advocacy for children and families.

The reflection is a good attempt to describe your current situation as an early childhood professional, interpret and analyze your feelings and attitudes about what it means to be an early childhood professional, and describe a plan for future professional behavior, continuing professional growth and advocacy for children and families, but needs more thought and detail.

The reflection adequately describes your current situation as an early childhood professional, interprets and analyzes your feelings and attitudes about what it means to be an early childhood professional, and describes a plan for future professional behavior, continuing professional growth and advocacy for children and families.

The reflection describes your current situation as an early childhood professional, interprets and analyzes your feelings and attitudes about what it means to be an early childhood professional, and describes a plan for future professional behavior, continuing professional growth and advocacy for children and families thoroughly and to a great extent.

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Item and Score Criteria 2 Beginning 4 Developing 6 Adequate 8 ExemplarySelf InstructorTraining

Is the Preliminary Career Plan complete and thorough?

The Preliminary Career Plan minimally identifies your educational goal and lacks detail about how you plan to attain it through courses, workshops or other professional development experiences.

The Preliminary Career Plan identifies your educational goal but needs more detail about how you plan to attain it through courses, workshops or other professional development experiences.

The Preliminary Career Plan identifies your educational goal and how you plan to attain it through courses, workshops or other professional development experiences.

The Preliminary Career Plan is thorough and detailed. It identifies your educational goal and how you plan to attain it through courses, workshops or other professional development experiences. The names of courses or workshops and the institutions or agencies that offer them as well as the approximate date you plan to take them are listed.

Is the Continuing Education and Training Log complete and organized?

This section is missing information on trainings and education

This section includes a number of trainings listed in an organized manner.

This section includes a number of trainings listed documents to support attendance and is organized well.

This section is exceptionally well done with trainings listed and documents to support attendance.

Overall

Does this assignment show evidence of your understanding of your role and foundational beliefs in Early Childhood Education?

The assignment exhibits little understanding of your role and foundational beliefs in Early Childhood Education.

The assignment exhibits some understanding of your role and foundational beliefs in Early Childhood Education.

The assignment exhibits understanding of your role and foundational beliefs in Early Childhood Education.

The assignment exhibits extensive understanding of your role and foundational beliefs in Early Childhood Education.

Subtotal Completeness and Quality

                  + =Subtotals: Professionalism + Completeness = Total Raw Score (20 possible) and Quality (72 possible)

25

Total Possible Raw Score92

Total Possible Assignment Points =25

Student Raw Score (Total points) = Assignment Points Earned = Instructor % x 25

Divided by 92 = %

Instructor Raw Score (Total points) =

Divided by 92 = ___________%

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