In this course, you have learned about the role of the caregiver in developing, implementing, and assessing developmentally, individually, and culturally appropriate practice for very young children and their families. In this Reflection, you will have an opportunity to think about what you have learned and set goals for your future professional development.

To complete this assignment, first identify 3-to 5-essential competencies for working with infants and their families, and concrete practices that would demonstrate those competencies. After developing this list, address the following:

What do you feel are critical competencies teachers of infants need to have in order to support very young children and their families? What is your rationale for selecting these competencies in terms of the impact they can have on healthy infant development and learning?

What is your current level of knowledge and skill in each of the competency areas you identified? What do you see as your overall strengths? What areas do you feel need strengthening?

What strategies can you use to support your own professional development over time with the goal of preparing yourself as a child development professional who supports the healthy development and learning of very young children and their families?