Introduction Due to a growing demand for standards and accountability in the field of early childhood education, policy makers have increasingly turned to the development of effective professional practice among early childhood educators (ECE) as the predominant approach in ensuring better outcomes for children. ECEs have therefore found themselves under increasing pressure to develop professional practices through professional development which has been shown to have a profound impact on children's holistic development and their prospects for achievement in society. This essay will focus on developing effective professional practice among ECEs. The paper will critically evaluate the importance of professional practice development among ECEs, how it is developed and applied in ECE practice. The essay will highlight how the professional practice and core beliefs of ECEs are shaped by factors such as professional and personal identity, beliefs, values ​​and regulatory documents and bodies. Development of professional practice The importance placed on the development of effective professional practice among ECEs can be seen. in the Professional Support Coordinators Alliance of South Australia (PSCSA) definition of professional development. The PSCSA defines professional development as “continuous learning that enables professionals to affirm existing knowledge as well as acquire new skills and knowledge and thus stay up to date with evolving developments in the field (PSCSA, 2008, p17)”. The report also considers the development of professional practice among ECEs as any attempt to improve service delivery to the families and children for whom they are charged with providing service. This def...... half of the document ......nThe development of effective autonomous practice among early childhood educators has become an increasingly important aspect of managing quality and improving service delivery in the ECE sector. The importance of professional development for ECEs is that it enhances the acquisition of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions, as well as the application of that knowledge in professional practice. Professional development occurs primarily through ongoing learning and training and depends on the educator's core personal and professional values ​​and beliefs. These beliefs are shaped by publications from regulatory and professional bodies and through constant self-reflection and evaluation. This then allows ECEs to work on their beliefs which shape their professional practice regarding teaching modalities and also professional relationships with family and community..