Keeping it Professional: Ethics, Advocacy and Growth in Early Childhood

Competency Standard VI: To maintain a commitment to professionalism.

Professionalism Is More Than a Title

Being an early childhood educator carries tremendous responsibility. Families trust educators with their children’s safety, development, and emotional well-being every day. That responsibility extends beyond the classroom and into the professional decisions educators make.

CDA Competency Standard VI focuses on maintaining a commitment to professionalism. It reminds us that strong educators continue learning, understand their legal responsibilities, and advocate for the well-being of children and families.

Professionalism is not something we achieve once. It is something we practice throughout our careers.

Professional Responsibility Beyond the Classroom

Professional responsibility means recognizing that our work affects children, families, colleagues, and the broader community. Educators model ethical behavior, maintain confidentiality, and follow the policies that protect children in early learning environments.

Professional educators strive to:

• Communicate respectfully with families and colleagues

• Maintain confidentiality when discussing children and families

• Follow program policies and state licensing requirements

• Represent the early childhood profession with integrity

These responsibilities strengthen trust and reinforce the importance of the role educators play in children's lives.

Ethics and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education

Advocacy is a vital part of professionalism. Early childhood educators often serve as the voice for children who cannot yet advocate for themselves.

Advocacy may include:

• Promoting safe and nurturing learning environments

• Ensuring children receive appropriate developmental support

• Educating families about available resources

• Supporting policies that strengthen early childhood programs

Ethical educators understand that their influence extends beyond the classroom and into the communities they serve.

Commitment to Ongoing Professional Growth

The early childhood field continues to grow as research reveals more about how children develop and learn. Professional educators remain curious, open to learning, and committed to improving their practice.

Professional growth may include:

• Participating in professional development training

• Joining professional organizations

• Reflecting on classroom practices and seeking feedback

• Continuing education and credentialing opportunities

Growth ensures that educators remain responsive to children’s needs and current best practices.

Resource Collection Spotlight: What Competency VI Requires

For CDA candidates, Competency VI includes three Resource Collection items that demonstrate awareness of professional responsibilities and legal obligations.

RC VI-1: State Child Care Regulations

Candidates must identify and review the child care licensing regulations for the state in which they work. These regulations outline the requirements programs must follow to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Understanding these regulations helps educators maintain compliance and support safe program practices.

RC VI-2: Early Childhood Professional Organizations

Candidates should identify professional organizations that support early childhood educators. These organizations often provide resources, training opportunities, research updates, and advocacy efforts that strengthen the field.

Professional organizations encourage educators to remain connected, informed, and engaged in ongoing development.

RC VI-3: Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements

Early childhood professionals are mandated reporters. This means educators have a legal and ethical responsibility to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Understanding reporting procedures ensures that educators can respond appropriately and protect children when concerns arise.

Why Professionalism Matters

Professionalism shapes the culture of early childhood programs. When educators demonstrate integrity, commitment, and responsibility, they strengthen trust with families and elevate the entire field.

Professional educators do more than teach. They lead, advocate, and protect the well-being of children.

A Final Reflection

Competency VI reminds us that professionalism is a lifelong commitment.

It is seen in the choices educators make, the knowledge they pursue, and the care they show for children and families every day.

When educators commit to ethical practice, continuous learning, and advocacy, they help ensure that early childhood education remains a profession built on trust, compassion, and purpose.