6.4 Professionalism

Standard Nine

Adhere to ethical standards in all aspects of practice.

1. The practitioner is able to adhere to ethical standards in all aspects of practice by:

• • accessing a provincial and/or national code of ethics and using same to guide practice;
  • conveying a sense of respect for the uniqueness of the individual in all dealings with others; maintaining confidentiality regarding all personal information about children and families and sharing information only with the family’s consent or when obliged to by legislation or court order;
  • demonstrating integrity in all relationships; and
  • accepting responsibility for the result of her/his actions.

Standard Ten

Balance one’s personal and work roles.

1. The practitioner is able to balance personal and work roles by:

• • maintaining enthusiasm and effectiveness and protecting her/his physical and emotional health and balancing work with other activities; and
  • if a family childcare provider, clarifying for family members her/his role and responsibilities and their responsibilities while other children are present and · accommodating the needs of the family and the child care program in a way that protects the rights of each.

Standard Eleven

Reflect on one’s own practice and identify areas where obtaining additional knowledge or changing approaches is indicated.

1. The practitioner is able to reflect on their own practice and identify areas where obtaining additional knowledge or changing approaches is indicated by:

• • examining her/his daily practice and knowledge base, assessing strengths and identifying areas needing improvement; and
  • evaluating performance feedback provided by others and using this to reflect on her/his practice and knowledge base.

Standard Twelve

Establish, implement, review and revise an achievable, realistic professional development plan.

1. The practitioner is able to establish, implement, review and revise an achievable, realistic professional development plan by:

• • establishing achievable and appropriate short- and long-term professional development goals and objectives;
  • identifying and accessing appropriate books, journals, and educational activities such as workshops, courses, and conferences to address her/his professional development plan; and
  • identifying the extent to which professional development goals and objectives have been met and/or continue to be relevant, and adjusting them accordingly.

This section is copied and adapted from Standards of Practice section in Doherty. G. (2000). Partners in Quality: Tools for Practitioners in Child Care Settings. Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, Guide to Self-Reflection. Ottawa: Canadian Child Care Federation.