2. 1.Looking Like a Professional 2. Professionalism Towards Parents 3. Professionalism Towards Children 4. Professionalism Towards Staff and Management 5. Question and Answers

3. P ROFESSIONALISM P ERMEATES A LL A SPECTS OF Y OUR J OB Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools If you want to be respected as a professional, you must look and act like one! Dress up rather than dress down. Grooming and hygiene should be impeccable.

4. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools Closed-toe, closed-back shoes; no flip-flops or high heels Tattoos and body piercings not visible No ball caps indoors No street shoes or bare feet in Infant Room Check with your School Director for other specific information

5. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools Your language and mannerisms convey maturity and good judgment!

6. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools Don’t wait for a parent to initiate conversation

7. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Learn—and use—the names of all the parents in your classroom  Make families feel welcome; invite their active participation  Maintain frequent, two-way communication  Acknowledge parents’ choices and goals for their child  Respond with respect and sensitivity to parents’ preferences and concerns

8. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Be each child’s biggest fan  Always have something nice to enthusiastically say in front of the child and parent  Compliment parents on the good job they’re doing being parents  Take time to write short notes home or make quick positive phone calls to share good news

9. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Listen carefully and respond quickly to requests  Be of help to them; gather up belongings, have a child ready if they’re in a rush  Assist with parent and child transitions  Respond “I will find out” instead of “I don’t know”  Admit when you are wrong  Don’t hesitate to seek their advice and opinions

10. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools Anyone who comes within TEN FEET of a staff member must receive THREE things: Warm, Genuine Greeting A Smile and a Question A Fond Farewell

11. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Build a foundation based on trust and respect  Be mindful of the time of day, events happening in the family before approaching  Respect the parent’s confidentiality  Statements like “I’d like your help” or “Can I ask your advice?” are helpful  Always start and end with a positive statement about the child when informing parents of a problem or behavior  Be solution-oriented instead of a tattletale!  Keep your school’s director informed

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13.  Keep informed of all laws and regulations regarding the handling of personal information  Share information ONLY with people who have a need to know  Keep written information in a safe place  Don’t gossip!

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15. The parents we serve are our customers first, last and always! This relationship is very special and must be protected by everyone who is in our employment.

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18. Be intentional in all aspects of your teaching role

19. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Develop warm and positive relationships with children  Bring every child’s culture and language into the classroom  Strive to create a caring community within your classroom

20. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Be positive and encouraging  Provide activities and experiences that leave children feeling secure, relaxed and comfortable—and not disengaged, stressed-out or frightened

21. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Turn in lesson plans at least two weeks in advance  Make coming to work a priority; the children need consistent adults in their lives.  Arrive each day well rested and in a positive frame of mind  Have all materials prepared at the start of the day; avoid last minute scrambling for materials, supplies and equipment

22. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools Children’s items should be labeled using a capital first letter and all others in lower case Label toy tubs and baskets with ONLY pictures in Infant and Toddler classrooms When labeling items in Preschool and Schoolage classrooms, use both a picture and the word. Write in lower case letters only Place a pictorial daily schedule at the children’s eye-level

23. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Acknowledge what children do or say  Encourage persistence and effort  Give specific feedback instead of general comments  Ask questions to provoke thinking  Model attitudes and behaviors  Create and add challenges to tasks

24. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Routines of the Day  Interest Centers  Small Groups  Large Group / Circle Time / Class Meeting

25. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools Collaboration and teamwork are crucial components so children feel safe, secure and happy.

26. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Be willing to accept ideas and suggestions from them  Be solution-driven and not a “problem dropper”  Maintain confidentiality

27. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Your mannerisms, words and actions should always reflect teamwork.  Unless you are asked for it, don’t give advice. Be a coach instead!  Don’t gossip!

28. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Immediately notify a manager if your classroom is not in ratio  Notify a manager if you need to leave the room for any reason—even if only briefly

29. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Report your absence to your supervisor at least two hours before your scheduled start time.  You are not excused from work unless you’ve actually spoken with a supervisor. Text and voice messages may not be used in lieu of speaking to a manager.  Make requests for vacations in writing at least two weeks in advance.

30. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools  Attend trainings, workshops and conferences  If possible, continue your education in Early Childhood by enrolling in classes  Read all you can about the ECE field and the age group with whom you work

31. Phoenix Children's Academy Family of Schools Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It simply means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections!

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