Self-Assessment: Professionalism

The NAEYC criteria for National Accreditation is the basis of the self-assessment criteria to demonstrate alignment with the Standards and to
familiarize students with this national accreditation process.

Give examples of how you follow state licensing regulations for the care of infants and toddlers.
State ratio followed of 6:1 2 years to 2 ½ years old and 2 ½ to 3 years 8:1

Program schedule shall be planned to provide a flexible balance of each day with active and
quiet activities , individual AND group activities, indoor and outdoor activities, reasonable
regularity in eating, napping and other routines

Indoor furnishings and equipment shall be safe and durable and scaled in size for
developmental level and ability of children in room

Child under 5 years of age in care for more than 4 hours shall have a nap or rest period

A child’s hands shall be washed with soap and warm running water before meals and snacks,
after toileting or diapering or if hands soiled.

Daily program: child care workers shall respond promptly to a crying child’s needs.
Emphasis in activities shall be given to play as learning and growth experience. Throughout
the day each toddler shall receive physical contact and attention by the caregiver.

Caregiving routines: Ensure the food offered to toddlers is consistent with requirements of
the U.S. department of agriculture child and adult care food program. Change wet or soiled
diapers promptly.
Describe the responsibilities that you have as outlined in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. Give
an example of a situation where you behaved ethically in following the principles and ideals listed in
the Code.
Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle
Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn
Appreciate and support the bond between a child and family
Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of culture, family,
community, and society
Respect the dignity, worth, and UNIQUENESS of each individual (child, family member and
colleagues!)Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues
Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships
that are based on TRUST and RESPECT!

I behaved ethically in treating each child as unique and as an individual. We sometimes group
them up as the “8” and we really need to observe and respect the children for where they are at
in the moment and create a special bond with each child in your care.

Describe how you advocate for best practices in your program.

I model my teaching practices for all at our center and in my individual house. I mentor new
and sometimes older colleagues on issues I am passionate about and have learned in taking my
courses this past year. I want them all to know I believe this is the most important job in the
world. We are PEOPLE MAKERS! We need to provide care and education in a safe and
healthy setting using the 3 R’s Respect, Responsive, and Reciprocal. I have been shouting
this from the rooftop and have it on a poster outside and inside my room. I want each child to
know I respect their differences and want them to play and enjoy their time here away from
their families. I advocate for my colleagues as well in fair pay and benefits for all who
choose this wonderful ECE field.

Describe how you communicate and cooperate respectfully with co-workers and function smoothly
as a team to meet child and family needs. Describe how you share planning or decision making in
classroom activities and/or program practices. (FCC providers balance needs of program with needs of
own family.)
I have learned to listen more in my communications with my co-workers and respect their
teaching styles as unique and a wonderful collaboration of a TEAM of caring ECE. I
establish and maintain a trusting, respectful confidential, collaborative, and cooperative
relationship with each and every one. We share our resources and through our collaboration
create the best possible environment for our kiddos. I have an ethical responsibility to my
families and know they are the most IMPORTANT part of their child’s development. I
communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with the whole family to enhance the child’s
development here and at home. We develop a relationship with the family right in the
beginning of the program year and for all the years they are here at Woods Hollow. The
families are encouraged to participate in our program and share in the decision making in our
classrooms. I respect the dignity and preferences of each unique family and we learn about the
family’s structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs so we may collaborate with the
family to bring that in to the care of their child. I share daily and through emails weekly the
development of the children and help them understand the current knowledge base we have as
ECE and assist them with any questions or concerns as parents. IT TAKES A VILLAGE!!