Code of Ethics

NAEYC and DEC are two organizations that have made a code of ethics for professionals in the Early Childhood field. I have picked three form each organization that stood out the most to me as a professional.

From NAEYC:
 Ideals: 
* I-1.2—To base program practices upon current knowledge

and research in the field of early childhood

education, child development, and related disciplines,

as well as on particular knowledge of each child.

I feel that this is important because as professionals we need to be up to date on current practices, issues, and theories that involve children birth to eight years of age. However it is also important to understand each child as an individual. As I have learned, not each child develops/learns at the same pace. Each child brings their own personality to a classroom.

* I-2.4—To listen to families, acknowledge and build upon

their strengths and competencies, and learn from

families as we support them in their task of nurturing

children.

I feel that it is very important to have open communication with families. They can teach you so much about their child and vice-versa. Giving them support and resources to help them grow and learn with their child is a task that we as professionals in the Early Childhood field also need to take on. 

*I-3A.1—To establish and maintain relationships of

respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and

cooperation with co-workers.

I picked this one because, I feel that it is very important to have a good relationship with your co-workers. After all you are in the same profession and they can be a great resource to you. I love planing with my great team of amazing Kindergarten teachers at my school, and if I ever need help or have a question they are there for me. 

Article: NAEYC. (2005, April) Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved August 17th, 2013; from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

 

From DEC

* I. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 

                 Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

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

This stood out to me because even though I have my own ideas and ways of doing things, doesn't mean that my way is the only way. I am always willing to try new things and if a student learns better by me trying to teach them a new way. Then that is what I will do.

* II. 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.

If we as professionals don't take time to reflect on how we are doing, then it is going to be that much harder for us to change, I think. We need to continually change and improve with the times and with the families and children that we are helping. 

* III. RESPONSIVE FAMILY CENTERED PRACTICES

           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.

Each family is different, each of our colleagues are different. I feel that this is very important, because not everyone is the same. And everyone should respect that.

Article: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved August 17th, 2013; from http://www.dec-sped.org/