pIma COUNTY - Child & Family Resources

The Importance of Professional
Development
By Mary Dixon Lebeau
What makes a professional stand apart from others in his
or her field? Of course, she has the educational chops and
the hands-on experience that makes her well-rounded and
widely respected in her field. But true professionals don’t stop
there. In fact, they never stop – especially when it comes to
learning. After all, research is always discovering new things,
and trends are always changing. Any good professional will
be on top of – and responding to – these changes.
In the field of early childhood education, continuing your
professional development is even more important. “To me,
there is no excuse for an early childhood teacher not getting
regular continuing education,” says Brenda Nixon, M.A.,
author of Parenting Power in the Early Years.
Nixon says instructors and teachers need to be proactive
in their own continuing education – with or without the
support of their center director, principal or district. “Saying
the center won’t pay for (professional development) is no
excuse,” she says. “You just get lazy, and the children will
suffer.”
Fortunately, many employers will support and encourage
the development of their professional staff. After all, when
parents are seeking preschool instruction, they will seek out
the centers and schools which are on the top of their game
and well-aware of the latest research and developments.
“There is so much research going on uncovering the way
children learn,” Nixon points out. “It’s important for caregivers
to stay on top of these developments.” Early childhood
educators have to be accountable for and knowledgeable in
the changes in caregiving practices and techniques. Those
that do will find the knowledge profitable, not only in the
classroom, but also on the bottom line in terms of enrollment.
Back to Basics
Since the minimum requirements for early childhood
instructors vary from state to state, it may be difficult to
pinpoint the type of development best suited for your role
in the classroom. Some basics, though, are easily identified.
For example, all classroom teachers should be certified in
first aid. Regular review and renewal of the procedures and
practices will help you feel confident to handle any classroom
crisis.
All states have requirements concerning training for the
recognition and reporting of child abuse, neglect and
endangerment. Teachers should review these standards
annually, as they are important points of first contact in these
critical areas.
Every year, many school days are lost to communicable
diseases, such as the flu or the common cold. “All teachers need
to know how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,”
says Nixon. If classes aren’t offered by your center, encourage
the director to contact the local health department. Often a
nurse or other medical professional will come to the center
after hours to train the staff in this and other health-related
areas.
…And Beyond
Many early childhood caregivers believe continuing
development is, frankly, a waste of time. “I’ve been caring for
children for more than ten years,” they may say. “I know all
there is to know.” But, like in any other professional field, you
need regular professional development and education if you
want to stay fresh and excited about your chosen field. After
all, if you’re feeling stale and routine, it will be difficult to
engage a room full of toddlers on a daily basis.
One of the greatest benefits of professional development is
the opportunity to get together with other early childhood
caregivers and share “war stories.” “I’ve seen caregivers
get together at conferences and share stories, swap ideas,
brainstorm and help each other out. The informal learning
experience is extremely beneficial,” says Nixon, adding, “They
need to know they’re not alone.”
Learning more about your field will also reduce the stress
you feel in a classroom setting. Reviewing what is normal
and what’s not in early childhood behavior will reassure
you when dilemmas occur in your own classroom. “A regular
review is essential,” says Nixon. “Many teachers are right
out of school and haven’t had a lot of hands-on experience.
Others have been at it for ten to fifteen years. It’s time to
open the windows and refresh their minds.”
Other benefits you’ll reap from continuing education and
professional development include:
• Learning all about the latest trends in education and
discipline
• Receiving instruction on how to implement new practices
and procedures in a classroom. After all, you can read about
procedures on a web site, but you may need help when it
comes to how to actually put it into action.
• Feeling professional. Often early childcare educators
are underpaid and feel unappreciated. Investing in their
education shows them they’re doing important work.
• Staying on top of the industry and the learning curve.
It’s your responsibility to continue to grow and develop as an
early childhood professional – with or without your director’s
support. Just like any other professional, you’ll want to
continue growing and learning in your field. It will make you
more effective as an educator – and more marketable if you
decide to transfer schools or go on to other positions within
your own.
Best of all, continuing your education and professional
development will make you feel more confident in your
career choice and more positive about the rigors of early
childhood education. And when you’re relaxed, confident
and positive in the classroom, the children win – and so do
you!
For more information visit EarlyChildhoodNews.com
www.azchildcare.org 6 1-800-308-9000