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

Abstract

Abstract: The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the professional competencies of Early Childhood Education teachers, teaching vocation, and ethical training, taking the prioritized Ecuadorian curriculum as a reference, with the purpose of supporting the design of an innovative educational proposal. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive-correlational methodological design and involved the participation of ten Early Childhood Education teachers from Paltas/Catacocha canton and Loja Province. For data collection, a Likert-scale questionnaire was administered, complemented by interviews and data triangulation, which strengthened the validity of the results. The findings revealed positive levels in the evaluated competencies, especially in socio-emotional skills, vocation/personal development, and ethical training, as factors that strengthen teaching practice and the comprehensive development of children. These findings supported the design of the Magic Apron as an innovative pedagogical strategy that integrates physical and digital resources through inclusive and playful activities aimed at strengthening teachers' competencies and improving teaching and learning processes in Early Childhood Education.