This workshop discussion paper addresses the issue of professionalism in school-age care. After explaining that "professionalism" means different things to different people and offering a brief history of professionalism, the paper provides a working definition of a professional: Someone who operates out of a theory base, someone who not only knows what to do, but why. Differences between professionals and paraprofessionals are illustrated through a brief example. The paper outlines 13 characteristics which, when in place to some degree, an occupation becomes a profession. Those characteristics are: (1) societal acceptance; (2) preservice training; (3) non-academic occupational socialization; (4) continuing education; (5) sharing of values, preferences, norms; (6) altruistic responsibility; (7) symbols of professional unity; (8) code of ethics; (9) regulated admission; (10) certification and re-certification; (11) legally imposed penalties; (12) power and autonomy from within; and (13) relationships with other vocations. The conclusion challenges school-age caregivers to take the initiative and steps necessary toward professionalism. Each section of the paper includes discussion questions. (TJQ)