Policy [M]atters: Episode 5

Professionalizing the Early Childhood Education Field: What Does it Mean and Why Does it Matter?

In episode 5 of Policy [M]atters, author Stacie Goffin offers context on how and why the field has arrived at the topic of “professionalization.” Teri Talan inquires about the term’s meaning. Stacie draws several parallels to other professions, such as nursing and medicine, while providing two attributes that define a profession.

The conversation then turns to the topic of whose interests are being served—children or the early childhood education workforce? Can multiple interests be served at the same time? Is talk of compensation for the early childhood education workforce self-serving? Listen to the chat to hear Stacie and Teri’s take. Share your perspective in the video's comments section.


What is Policy [M]atters?
Policy [M]atters is a video chat series between Teri Talan of the McCormick Center and a guest author in early childhood policy. The chats, which began in the summer of 2015, take place and are distributed on a quarterly basis. For year two (four episodes), Stacie Goffin will join us. Want to catch up or revisit the series? Explore year one of the chats and topics here.