The Value of Continuous Professional Development in the Early Years
Continuous Professional Development
Having recently engaged in a series of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, I began to reflect on the benefits and the importance of it within the early years sector in Ireland. How often does it happen? Is it encouraged within early years services? Is there time for CPD? What are the benefits of it? Is it necessary?
This blog aims to address some of these musings as well as focus what Longford County Childcare Committee (LCCC) can offer with regards CPD opportunities for those working in the sector in Longford.
According to the DCYA, ECCE settings need systematic support to implement an effective curriculum programme. In its national policy framework for children and young people – Better Outcomes Brighter Futures – the government ‘commits to supporting early childhood practitioners through the provision of CPD and the establishment of peer learning groups’ (DCYA, 2014). French (2013), notes that the early years’ sector in Ireland requires significant and radical development in its approach to CPD. Interestingly, CPD is generally not a contractual obligation when working in ECCE but the importance of CPD opportunities for ECCE staff to ensure high-quality children’s learning is supported and sustained, are noted within the context of Irish research.
So what exactly constitutes as CPD?
According to the Sheffield Out of School Network, CPD is essential in enabling practitioners to provide the highest standards of care and education for children and young people. Additionally it will enhance practitioner’s personal development as well as keeping skills, knowledge and working practices up to date.
CPD was traditionally viewed as ‘going on training’ or undertaking a qualification but that appears to be a very narrow interpretation it.
- Attending conferences, workshops, courses
- Undertaking courses that lead to a qualification
- Attending staff meetings and setting-based training
- Attending network meetings or County Childcare Committee meetings
- Watching educational videos
- Visiting other settings
- Shadowing or working alongside other staff members
- Professional discussions
- Networking with other professionals
- Presentations -giving or attending
- Reading appropriate materials, including relevant websites
- E-learning
- Reflecting and self evaluating your own practice e.g. using the Aistear Siolta Practice Guide
- Peer observation
- Job rotation
- Performance reviews
- Mentoring-new staff/students
- Distance learning (home study)
- Leading meetings
- Managing and supervising staff
- Leading a special initiative
- Membership of a professional body
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(taken from Continuous Professional Development Toolkit for Early Years Foundation Stage and Playwork Practitioners)
This list is not exhaustive but merely practical examples to get practitioners thinking about the level and type that are consciously or unconsciously engaging in currently.
According to Siolta
This indicates that early years settings should aim to provide some formal and informal CPD opportunities. Does this exist in your setting currently? Do you want it to? What needs to happen to ensure it transpires? Who is responsible for it? These reflective questions might form the basis of a discussion around CPD at your next team meeting. Good managers recognise the value of CPD opportunities to develop the individual skills, knowledge and interests of their staff and also to meet the wider requirements of the setting such as meeting the requirements of TUSLA, Department of Education and Skills (DES) and POBAL. For example, learning from CPD opportunities can encourage practitioners confidence to embark on accredited training routes or to confidently and competently facilitate inspections.
To be effective CPD must be meaningful to the participants, who must be able to transfer it directly to their work. In the Irish context, Aistear and Siolta should be embedded in all CPD opportunities.
Longford County Childcare Committee believes strongly in the both the power and indeed the importance of CPD. LCCC is committed to providing ongoing CPD opportunity as is evident from our training calendar available on our website and Facebook page.
If you are a provider in the county and wish to avail of CPD that they do not currently offer please do contact us here to discuss your needs.
