Identity: The Early Childhood Profession(al)

This unit focuses on the identity of the early childhood professional and what it means to be a contemporary professional, with its associated opportunities and challenges. The unit identifies international, national and jurisdictional policy contexts and current key issues. Pre-service teachers will begin to see themselves as belonging to a profession and be able to explain and describe key features. This clarity will enable them to function effectively and comfortably as active members of the profession, to value their unique contribution and to maintain their resilience and wellbeing.

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Identify and analyse the complexities and characteristics of the early childhood profession.
2. Discuss and critique contemporary trends, policies and movements in the profession within Australia and internationally.
3. Investigate and describe the key legal obligations that impact the early childhood profession and their implications for teaching.
4. Describe how engaging in reflective practice and ongoing learning contributes to a culture of professional growth in the early childhood workplace.
5. Critically reflect on their own professional identity, including strengths, challenges and uniqueness and articulate what it means to be a professional.