Examining Code of Ethics

This blog is dedicated to the code of ethics in the early childhood field. What is Code of Conduct? “The NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Code of Ethical Conduct offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and education. The Statement of Commitment is not part of the Code but is a personal acknowledgement of an individual’s willingness to embrace the distinctive values and moral obligations of the field of early childhood care and education.”

NAEYC

Ethical Responsibilities to Children

I-1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.  This ideal is important to me because as an educator I want to stay current on new knowledge and information that would benefit my students, families and the community I serve.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families

I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve. This ideal is important to me because without trust there is no bond between my students and myself, without a bond how can someone relate or feel secure and safe enough to learn and engage in playing and learning.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues

I-3A.1—To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.  This ideal is important to me because, once again without trust there is no relationship between students or co-workers.  It is very important to me to be able to relate and collaborate effectively with my teaching team in order to have a year full of learning and fun times.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society

To work through education, research, and advocacy toward an environmentally safe world in which all children receive health care, food, and shelter; are nurtured; and live free from violence in their home and their communities.  This ideal is important to me because just like the pyramid of life if your basic needs are not meant everything else in life would seem out of order.  By providing our children and families with their basic needs then, learning and engaging would become smoother.

DEC

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child. This ideal is important to me because I learn at a very young age the importance of respect for oneself and the importance of showing respect to others no matter your race, age or walk of life.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATION

1. We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiry and self-assessment for the purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and services to young children with disabilities and their families.  This ideal is important to me because I am a lifelong learner, and I hope to be able to share my knowledge, wisdom and staying relevant with current issues.

Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives

1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture.  This ideal is important to me because acknowledging and recognizing our differences as a human race can actually bring us closer. Celebrating our uniqueness, culture and beliefs and  being accepting of them is one step closer to world peace.