Table of Contents

1. Introducing SAM: Development of a Self Assessment Manual (SAM) for Early Childhood Practitioners and Pre-Service Practitioners Quality assessment The journey so far 4 SAM - structure and content Adapting SAM 2. Setting the Context: Early Childhood Theoretical Frameworks Guiding SAM Maturation - biological models of development Behaviourism - social learning theories Psycho-dynamic - psycho-analytic theories Developmental - developmental psychology theories Socio-constructivism - psycho-social cultural theories Ecological systems - critical theories In summary 3. SAM and Reflective Practice What is reflective practice? What is critical reflection? Why guided reflection? SAM and guided reflection - the process What have we found out about SAM and reflective practice? 4. Negotiating Professional Identities in the Career of Early Childhood Practitioners Noticing: A pathway for aligning beliefs, professional identity and action In summary 5. SAM as a Centre-Based Professional Development Program The role of mentors The role of portfolio documentation The whole-of-centre process In summary 6. SAM Online: Using SAM through Computer-Mediated Technology Using technology in professional development Rationale for developing SAM online Structure and organisation of SAM online Learnings from SAM online evaluations Further developments Appendix 1 - Directions for Using the Self Assessment Manual (SAM) Bibliography Index List of Figures and Tables Figures Figure 1.1 Overall structure and pathways for using SAM Figure 2.1 Maturationist perspective - an example of practice Figure 2.2 Behaviourist perspective - an example of practice Figure 2.3 Psycho-analytic perspective - an example of practice Figure 2.4 Developmental perspective - an example of practice Figure 2.5 Socio-constructivism perspective - an example of practice Figure 2.6 Ecological perspective - an example of practice Figure 3.1 The SAM process Figure 3.2 Early childhood practitioner comments Figure 3.3 Pre-service practitioner comments Figure 5.1 Charting my professional advancement - six steps Figure 5.2 General indicators of quality Figure 6.1 The Navigating Professional Contexts subject website Tables Table 1.1 Methods of quality assessment within ECEC services in Australia Table 1.2 Dimensions of quality Table 2.1 Theoretical orientations underpinning SAM Table 5.1 Responding to quality indicators - an example