Codes of Ethics

The NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct and DEC’s Code of Ethics has many responsibilities for any individual that deals with children. Here are a few that are meaningful to me:

NAEYC

Ethical Responsibilities to Children

Ø  To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

Ø  To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families

Ø  To be familiar with the knowledge base related to working effectively with families and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

Ø  To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues

Ø  To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.

DEC

Professional Practice

Ø  We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based on information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others.

Professional Development and Preparation

Ø  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.

Responsive Family Centered Practices

Ø  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

Ethical and Evidence Based Practices

Ø  We shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure high quality services are accessible and are provided to children and families.

These ideals and principles are significant to my professional life. To be a professional educator, I have to respect and keep my students’ and their families’ best interest in mind. I am willing to do this by keeping an abundance of resources and keeping up on the latest research pertaining to children and families. Every child is unique, so what leads to a positive academic experience with one child may not be the same with another. Staying flexible and open minded will assist in me doing so. Every child derives from a different background because families are unique also. Communicating with these families on a consistent basis will help form a close relationship. Every educator should keep these at heart!

Resources

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved October 17, 2011, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH 05.pdf

The Division of Early Childhood. (2004, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved October 17, 2011, from http://www.dec-sped.org/