Competencias profesionales en la Educación Inicial y su vínculo con la vocación y la formación ética

Abstract

Abstract: This Curricular Integration Project was developed to analyze the relationship between the professional competencies of early childhood educators, their calling to teach, and their ethical training, using Ecuador s prioritized curriculum as a reference. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods study with a descriptive -correlational scope, and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. Ten early childhood educators, selected through purposive sampling, participated in the study. They completed the 360° Questionnaire on Professional Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, which was organized into the following dimensions: communication, logical-mathematical, digital, socio-emotional, vocation and personal development, ethical training, and pedagogical innovation. The results revealed strengths in communication competencies, ethical training, and teaching vocation; however, they also identified areas needing improvement in digital competencies and pedagogical innovation. Based on these findings, the Interactive Learning Apron was designed as a pedagogical approach aimed at strengthening these dimensions through inclusive, active, and contextualized strategies aligned with the current educational needs of Ecuadorian early childhood, thereby fostering meaningful school experiences.