1. Ronda Rodriguez June 23, 2016
CHD 406
Plan for Professional Development
I believe it’s important to have a plan for professional development. This plan will help to
keep your progress in check. It is essential that you maintain professional competence by
continually improving your knowledge and skills. Taking a strong approach to your professional
development will enable you to demonstrate a commitment to your profession and guide you
towards your goals.
This is my last semester before obtaining my BA. My short term goal is to apply for my
program director permit and learn as much as I can about running a program. I want to spend
some time focusing on strengthening my leadership skills to allow me to become a strong,
confident leader. My long term goal is to be a Program Director. I would love to run a program
that focuses on the importance of play. Outdoor and nature will be a large part of my program.
I will stay connected to the Child Development Field by continuing my participation in the
Step Up program. The Step- up Program is a program that is ran through my local County of
Education offices. It supports early childhood professional development, career enhancement,
and professional retention through networking, workshops and Professional growth plans. I
participate in networking opportunities with other state preschools in my county as well as attend
various trainings. My current position allows the opportunity to attend NAEYC and CAEYC
conferences. I am a member of both these organizations. These are great organizations that set
the standards for quality and current trends related to early childhood education.

2. My Professional Growth Advisor is a wonderful lady who currently is the Program Director
of 5 classrooms in my county. She is knowledge and willing to listen whenever needed. I have
known her for 12 years and she still goes out of her way to check in with me and offer advice,
support or encouragement. She is knowledge with the foundations and frameworks, DRDP’s and
much more. There have been many times in my career, education and personal life that I have
been frustrated, angry and near burn out. She always can find a way to relight my fire. I can
count on her! My former program director is a wonderful source as well. I have called her many
times since her retirement. She is the reason I chose this field and has the ability to help me
through her encouraging words and advice. She is no longer in the field but after a 40 plus year
career she is still a knowledgeable and a strong ally.
My career is very important to me. Having a role in educating children is something I
love! Building a strong foundation and helping children develop strong skills emotionally,
physically and academically will help children be successful. Nelson Mandela once said,
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I believe early
education is one of greatest tools for success. Studies have shown that a child’s earliest years of
development are the most critical. The vast majority of neurons are developed between birth and
age three, as this is the brain’s peak capacity to retain new information. Since children are most
receptive to information at a young age, early learning exposure plays an essential role in
fostering development. The children we are teaching today will be the adults leading our world
in the future. I will continue to develop and keep current with the ever changing needs of today’s
families and children.