Attitudes of preschool teachers about professional development

Cjeloživotno učenje i obrazovanje predstavljaju osnovnu pretpostavku za prilagodbu pojedinca današnjem društvu koji se stalno mijenja. Takvi koncepti predstavljaju važnost usvajanja i usavršavanja kompetencija koje će pojedincu koristiti za njegov osobni i profesionalni razvoj, ali i za doprinos društvenoj zajednici. Živimo u društvu koji se kontinuirano mijenja te znanja i vještine koje usvajamo u obitelji, vrtiću ili školi nisu dovoljni za funkcioniranje u današnjem društvu. Potrebno je stalno učenje, usvajanje znanja te vlastito usavršavanje. U odgojno – obrazovnom procesu, rad s djecom predškolske dobi zahtijeva potpunu posvećenost i kreativnost, stoga odgojno – obrazovni proces zahtjeva kontinuirano mijenjanje i usavršavanje kako samog pojedinca tako i cjelokupne odgojno – obrazovne prakse. U empirijskom dijelu rada korištena je kvantitativna metodologija, a podaci su prikupljeni anketiranjem odgajatelja. Istraživanje je provedeno putem google forms ankete putem koje je ispitano je 276 sudionika. Rezultati istraživanja prikazuju kako većina ispitanika (M=4,28) smatra kako je profesionalno stručno usavršavanje važno za njihovu profesiju i kasniji profesionalni rast i razvoj. Istraživanje je usmjereno na važnost profesionalnog razvoja kod odgajatelja bez obzira na dob, radni staž i razinu stručne spremeThe theoretical part of the paper is focused on several areas: the importance of holistic education, the impact of globalization on education, kindergarten like learning community, educator as a reflective practicioner and professional development. Lifelong learning and education represent basic assuming for adjustment to an individual in today’s ever-changing society. In other words, it represents the importance of acquiring and improving the competencies that will be used for their personal qualities and professional development, as well as for contributing to social communities. Working with preschool children requires complete dedication and creativity and therefore high expertise, so the educational process requires continually changing and professional improvement of individuals and the entire community. In the empirical part was used quantitative methodology annd dana were collected by surveying educators. The research was conducted through google forms survey which surveyed 276 participans. The results of the research show that the majority of respondents (M=4.28) believe that professional development is important for their profession and subsequent professional growth and development. The research focues on the importance of professional development in educators regardless of age, work experience and level of education