Family child care providers are expected to meet high standards of professionalism. This includes engaging in ongoing learning, applying effective practices, and demonstrating ethical and professional behavior in their daily work. Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences working with children and families in your home. Consider the following areas of professionalism and respond to each:

1.  What are examples of continuous learning that you have experienced, such as:

   • Attended a professional workshop
   • Searched for resources about early care and education
   • Completed an online webinar focused on early care and education
   • Incorporated new learning into daily practice with children and families
    

2. What are some ways you apply effective practices, such as:

   • Reflect on personal beliefs and ideas about children’s development and learning
   • Reflect on success or challenges of being a family child care provider
   • Create a warm, emotional climate for each child and family served
    

3. What are some ways that you demonstrate professional and ethical behavior with the children and families you serve, such as:

   • Explain the importance of family child care to others (including families)
   • Describe personal philosophy about family child care
   • Establish professional boundaries with children, families, and fellow family child care professionals
    

Adapted from Minnesota’s Knowledge and Competency Framework for Early Childhood Professionals: Working with Family Child Care by the Minnesota Department of Education, 2023, . Copyright 2023 by the Minnesota Department of Education.