Overview Module Two

You will then be introduced to various Leadership Models as you move toward Module Three: Dispositions and Designing a Commitment Statement. 

Critically observing self, alongside diverse ways of knowing, being, and doing, is not only a necessary disposition and practice as an early years’ leader but requirement for all licensed early childhood education professionals set forth by the BC Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies (i.e., clarifying personal biases; engaging in observations through unbiased and non-judgemental approaches/lenses; understanding the multiple and complex systems as well as impact of power and power imbalances that children, families, educators, and greater communities live within; ability to clarify and articulate philosophies of practice etc.). 

The BC Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies are an assessment tool created by the Ministry of Advanced Education which post-secondary institutions in British Columbia refer to when creating their Early Learning and Care Programs (ELC or ECE; Early Childhood Education Programs). The Competencies outline various dispositions, skills, practices, as well as ethical and curricular considerations which early childhood education students are exposed to and cultivate during their time in ELC programs. Post-secondary institutions align and design, for example, their courses according to these competencies to ensure that early childhood education students are prepared with the essential practices and processes required to respond to the complexities of the field of early childhood education. It is also a tool that licensed educators currently in practice can look to for guidance and reflection, evaluating whether the ways they are presently practicing uphold these minimum standards of ethical, curricular, environmental, and professional requirements.

The BC Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies were written in 2001 and are in great need of an updated publication to reflect current 21st century conditions. I encourage you to read through the document, while also re-searching over the upcoming months as the revised version is being anticipated.