ABSTRACT
This chapter will help you to understand the importance of what it is to be a professional, developing a strong awareness of your professionalism and the complexity of the professional role. This awareness involves knowledge of self, professional standards and requirements set by government and professional bodies and of the professional role within the context of ECCE settings. There should be a continual process of reflection of all these but there will be particular times when you make a conscious effort to appraise your professionalism. This may be at points of assessment before achieving qualification; during an inspection process; challenge by a colleague/line manager; or when thinking about promotion or a new job.
