Activity 4-3:
Professionalism



Purpose: To examine areas of professionalism that are critical to working in partnership with families.

Preparation: For this activity you will need:

• Handout 1: Clarifying Professional Terms
  
  
• Handout 7: Working on Professional Responsibilities
  
  
• Program Policies and Procedures on Confidentiality, Child Abuse and Neglect, Record-Keeping, and Standards of Conduct.
  
  
• Newsprint/Markers/Tape
  

1. (a) Introduction. Discuss the concept of "professionalism" as described in the module's background information. Ask the following questions to stimulate discussion:
   
   
   • What does professionalism mean?
     
     
   • How do we practice professionalism in our work with families?
     

   (b) Distribute handout 1 and review the definitions for each professional term. Give participants the opportunity to choose one of the following professional areas: confidentiality, roles and boundaries, mandated reporting, or record-keeping.
   
   

2. Assign homework to examine professional issues. Distribute handout 7 and instruct the staff to focus on the selected area by completing the assignment as homework.
   
   
3. Debrief the homework assignment. When the assignment is complete, meet with staff to discuss the outcome. Ask staff to share how they will apply what was learned from the homework to their professional practices.
   
   
4. Close the activity. Review with participants the importance of practicing professional behaviors. Stress that even the most experienced and knowledgeable staff member is likely to struggle with professional dilemmas. Encourage participants to continue their professional development by completing other assignments listed on Handout 7.
   
   
   
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