PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND ITS CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES

• Parvana Imanova

  Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University

  Author

• Museyib Ilyasov

  Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University

  Author

The article scientifically examines the professional competence of preschool teachers as one of the main requirements of the modern education system. Competence is defined as an integrative unity of knowledge, skills, personal qualities, and values that ensure the quality of pedagogical activity. Within the scope of the study, the cognitive, practical-methodical, and communicative components of competence are analyzed, and their significance for the professional development of preschool teachers and the effectiveness of the educational process is identified.

The findings show that a competent preschool teacher is not only a specialist possessing theoretical knowledge but also a professional who adopts a child-centered, creative, innovative, and reflective pedagogical approach based on children’s individual characteristics and developmental needs. The teacher’s communicative and socio-emotional skills, adherence to professional ethical principles, and inclination toward continuous self-improvement are among the key factors ensuring both the psychological safety and developmental character of the educational environment.

The results indicate that a high level of competence enhances the quality of education in preschool institutions, positively affects children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, and contributes to a more humanistic educational environment. The theoretical approaches and scientific findings presented in the article further confirm the importance of implementing a competence-based model in preschool teacher training.

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