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

Abstract

Abstract: This study addresses the topic of professional competencies in Early Childhood Education specifically their link to the teaching vocation and ethical training with the aim of analyzing the relationship between these elements within the framework of Ecuador's prioritized curriculum. The study seeks to provide a foundation and guide for designing an innovative pedagogical proposal suited to the classroom. A mixed methods approach with a non-experimental, descriptive design was employed; data were collected from Early Childhood Education teachers using the Teachers 360°: Vocation, Competencies, and Ethics questionnaire, allowing for the characterization of dimensions such as communication, logical-mathematical, digital, and socio-emotional skills, as well as professional development and instructional innovation. The results highlight the importance of strengthening teacher preparation where pedagogical knowledge, values, responsibility, and vocational commitment foster safe, effective, and meaningful environments. Based on these findings, the "Brillos Andantes" apron is proposed as an innovative teaching resource designed to stimulate participation, creativity, inclusion, and active learning in early childhood.