What is EYPS?
This is the rank or position given to an Early Years practitioner who has become an Early Years Professional.
So, what is an Early Years Professional? Aren't we all professionals?
Yes, Early Years practitioners are expected to act in a professional manner. However, the title 'Early Years Professional' takes professionalism one step further.
What do you mean?
Well, there is a continued need to raise the quality of Early Years provision, and practitioners who have Early Years Professional Status are seen to be the key to doing this.
How come?
You know the Foundation Stage? Well, practitioners with EYPS will work in settings to be role models, of implementing the Foundation Stage, for other practitioners . They will be set an example of the kind of skills and behaviours that all practitioners need to promote effect good outcomes for children in the Foundation Stage.
But I am already doing that. Have I got Early Years Professional Status?
Not necessarily. The good work you are already doing is valued by ProCEEd and we would like to hear about it in our Blow Your Own Trumpet Campaign. Now, there is another way of geaining recognition for good practice; that is by achieving Early Years Professional Status.
I suppose this means more training!
Yes I suppose you are right! There is one more important element to gaining EYPS.
There had to be a catch.
No, not really. As I said before, EYPS is about raising quality of provision. It is also about raising the quality and status of the Early Years Workforce. For too long, Early Years practitioners have been seen as poorly qualified (some of them are of course, but not all!) This is your chance to fight back - academically, not physically of course!
But I am not academic
So what are you doing educating young children? You always tell me that you do the same job as the teacher; she has a degree. That's one of the reasons why her status is seen to be higher than yours at the moment.
That's not fair but I see your point. Carry on - I'm listening.
The Early Years workforce is moving on up! If you want Early Years Professional Status you must also have a relevant degree. You can start EYPS before you have finished your degree. But you cannot hold EYPS until you have successfully completed your degree.
You've lost me.
Sorry. What I am trying to say is:
If you already hold a relevant degree (or recognised equivalent) you can apply for EYPS training.
If you are part way through your degree you can apply for EYPS training.
If you do not yet hold a relevant degree you need to get busy.
Oh yes! You must also be working in an Early Years setting.
Which degrees are relevant?
The Early Childhood Studies degree is a good one, because that will set you on a shorter pathway to EYPS.
What about the Foundation Degree?
The Foundation Degree is just that - a foundation. If you have Early Years Foundation Degree or an HND Early Childhood Studies it will take you a bit longer to get EYPS.
I've got a degree but it is none of those
Yes, there will be plenty of people like you, especially now that the sectors are merging. If you have a non-related degree you too will be able to go for EYPS but again it will be a longer pathway. The longer pathway will give you the chance to transfer your skills and apply them in an Early Years context.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Yes, you need to know whether your local training provider is offering EYPS training. Teh you need to know whether the programme suites you exactly what you will have to do to achieve Early Years Professional Status.
Thank you
You're welcome.
Oh yes. You can find pathway guidance and case
www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/EYPS.html.
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