Teaching staff have individual professional development plans that match the Core Body of Knowledge: New York State’s Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (CBK) competency areas.

Evidence must be provided for 1 teaching staff position and have been completed within the previous 15 months.

• CBK Professional Development Planning Tool Plan or Paula Jorde Bloom Staff Development Action Plan

OR

• Other pre-approved professional development plan that refers to at least 2 CBK areas

AND

• Statement of how Plan(s) refer to the CBK competencies

Every member of the professional staff will benefit personally and professionally from having an individual, written professional development plan in order to effectively track each individual’s course for gaining knowledge and skills on all topics related to early childhood education.

The Core Body of Knowledge (CBK) outlines recommended practices for professionals who work directly with young children. These practices offer a road map for building meaningful relationships with children, families and colleagues; for creating nurturing, stimulating environments; and for developing oneself as a professional in an incredibly important field.

The CBK is structured to consider all areas established by NYS as being essential competencies for early childhood educators.

Why is it important for professional development plans to be aligned with the New York State Core Body of Knowledge (CBK)?

The New York State Core Body of Knowledge (CBK) offers a framework for teacher competencies. It is organized into seven areas of competency with specific skills and behaviors that early childhood educators need to demonstrate in order to provide quality care. By utilizing the core competencies framework in the CBK, teaching staff and administrators can be assured they are addressing all areas of competency that are essential for professionals working with young children.

The CBK "outlines recommended practices for professionals who work with young children." These practices offer a road map for building meaningful relationships with children, families and colleagues, and for creating nurturing, stimulating environments, that allow for ongoing professional development. (NYS Core Body of Knowledge 2012)

Resources:

• New York State Council on Children and Families www.ccf.ny.gov
• www.earlychildhood.org