Program and Practice

Strengthening Professional Identity and Ethical Decision-Making

  • NQS Areas
  • 1
    Area 1Educational Program Practice
  • 2
    Area 2Children's health and safety
  • 3
    Area 3Physical environment
  • 4
    Area 4Staffing arrangements
  • 5
    Area 5Relationships with children
  • 6
    Area 6Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
  • 7
    Area 7Governance and leadership

Working with children is complex and rewarding work and involves the exercising of specific skills and knowledge. Importantly, understanding what it means to act professionally and ethically is integral to providing high quality education and care to children.

Overview

What you'll learn

This session explicitly identifies what it means to be a professional and acting ethically in early education. 

Using guiding frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the approved learning frameworks and relevant legislation we will explore the significance of the role of the early childhood educator. Participants will be introduced to current Australian research relating to how early childhood educators view themselves as professionals.

The content explores the importance of decision-making that visibly draws from theory, research and evidence as well as guiding frameworks to support the best outcomes for children.

Highlights

What you'll take into practice

  • Legal and ethical frameworks – infographic
  • Professionalism and ethics self-assessment
  • NQS Professional standards reflection tool
Learn more

Critical reflection

  • Identify current research that explores the perception of what it means to be a professional in early childhood education and care.
  • Explore strategies to develop professional identity
  • Recognise the importance of critical reflection and ongoing learning to develop professionalism
  • Interpret legal and ethical frameworks to question practices and decisions.

Related courses

Governance

NSW Child Safety Law Changes: April

The next group of NSW-specific child safety reforms are in effect from 24 April 2026. This session will guide you through what has changed, what you need to do now, and how these updates connect to previous child safety reforms.

You’ll receive an updated guide and access to a recording for a limited time.

Delivery Method:

Webinar, Inservice

NQS Areas:

2, 4, 7

Child RelationshipsAssessment & RatingLeadershipChild ProtectionParamount Consideration

Available Dates

Leadership

APST Aligned

The Director's Toolkit: Compliance & Quality

This Director’s Toolkit session will strengthen your understanding of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations while exploring what quality practice really looks like in action. Gain practical insights to lead compliance confidently and embed meaningful quality practices across your service.

Note: This series is only recommended for new directors or those looking for a refresh.

Delivery Method:

Webinar, Inservice

NQS Areas:

2, 7

LeadershipThe Directors Toolkit

Available Dates

Thu, 22 Oct 26
🕒 10am-12pm

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Inservice Training

Inservice Training

While our training calendar is extensive, we know that sometimes you need a more targeted approach. Our learning and development specialists can tailor your training to be delivered where, when and how you need it. 

Mentoring

Mentoring

We offer a unique mentoring program that can be completely tailored to your needs and specifications. Based on sound educational practice and specialist expertise, our mentors provide one-on-one and group sessions to support professional progress.

RTO Accredited Training

CELA’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID: 90842) provides accredited, nationally recognised qualifications including our child protection training for childcare, early and middle childhood educators. We use high-quality, customised training and assessment materials written by subject matter experts to meet the unique requirements of the early childhood sector.

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