One of the challenges of the field of early childhood education is to raise professional competence and credibility (Rodd, 1997) From the statement above, discuss critically: What do you understand by the term “professional competence” and what are your expectations of a “professional” in early childhood development? Is there any theoretical justification for such a statement?  Evaluate two related theoretical perspectives on the issue of professional competence. What in your view are the obstacles impacting on the development of professional competence in early childhood development? Discuss four steps early childhood practitioners can undertake to develop quality and improve their professional competence and credibility.

One of the challenges of the field of early childhood education is to raise professional competence and credibility (Rodd, 1997)

From the statement above, discuss critically:

What do you understand by the term “professional competence” and what are your expectations of a “professional” in early childhood development? Is there any theoretical justification for such a statement?  Evaluate two related theoretical perspectives on the issue of professional competence. What in your view are the obstacles impacting on the development of professional competence in early childhood development? Discuss four steps early childhood practitioners can undertake to develop quality and improve their professional competence and credibility.