Examining Codes of Ethics

The NAEYC 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 Code of Ethics of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children is a public statement of principles and practice guidelines supported by the mission of DEC. The foundation of this Code is based on sound ethical reasoning related to professional practice with young children with disabilities and their families and with interdisciplinary colleagues. Highlighted below are some of the guidelines mentioned in both the NAEYC and DEC code of ethics that are especially meaningful to me as an early childhood professional.

Ethical Responsibilities to Children

1.       To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. (NAEYC)

2.       To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions. (NAEYC)

  

We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child. (DEC)

3.       To ensure that each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program. (NAEYC)

I believe it is extremely important to not only recognize each child as a unique individual but to let each child know that they are valued for who they are. Each child’s culture, language, ethnicity and family structure contribute to their shaping as an individual and it is important to recognize and value this diversity so that the children in turn will feel valued. I also believe it is important to keep in mind the developmental needs of individual children when creating a learning environment within the classroom and making sure that individual needs are addressed.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families

1.       To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve. (NAEYC)

2.       To welcome all family members and encourage them to participate in the program. (NAEYC)

3.       To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs. (NAEYC)

We shall honor and respect the diverse backgrounds of our colleagues including such diverse characteristics as sexual orientation, race, national origin, religious beliefs, or other affiliations. (DEC)

Research shows the benefits of family involvement in a child’s development and education. I value family participation and view families and educators as partners in a child’s development. Familiarizing myself and showing respect for each family’s uniqueness and creating opportunities for family participation in the program creates opportunities to build relationships and further strengthen the partnerships. Families become more open to sharing information about a child’s home life and become more trusting and receptive of all that teachers have to offer them. Their participation in class activities can help enrich the curriculum immensely.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues: Co-workers

1.       To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers. (NAEYC)

We shall honor and respect the diverse backgrounds of our colleagues including such diverse characteristics as sexual orientation, race, national origin, religious beliefs, or other affiliations.(DEC)

Our work as educators usually involves collaborating with others and working as a team. Although we may have our differences it is important to always remember our main focus, the children and always work toward their benefit. Although we may try to hide any tensions between each other children sense it immediately. Therefore it is important to strive to maintain positive relationships between co-workers and be positive role models to the children.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society

1.       To promote knowledge and understanding of young children and their needs. To work toward greater societal acknowledgment of children’s rights and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the well-being of all children. (NAEYC)

I believe that as professionals in the early childhood field we have a responsibility to not only educate and look out for the well-being of the children in our care but to reach out the greater community create awareness about issues concerning the field of early childhood education.

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

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics.

Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/