Early Childhood Codes of Ethics

I have chosen three ideals from the codes of ethics from NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and DEC (The Division of Early Childhood). These three ideals are meaningful to my life and my professional career. These code of ethics ideals are:

NAEYC:

I-1.5- 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.

This ideal is important to me because I have to make sure everyday that I am reflecting this statement. I have to make sure I am fostering each child's development in my lesson plans, activities, and in their everyday schedule.

I-2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

I believe that educators need to have a relationship with the child's family because we are not only providing services to the child but the child's family as well. Building a positive relationship with the family benefits the child because everyone will be communicating about the child's development and specific needs.

DEC:

II. Professional Development and Preparation:

4. We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.

This is especially important to me because I continuously have practicum students in and out of the classroom learning from me and the students. Having this code of ethics in mind helps us to remember that we are there as mentors and a support system for new educators.

References:

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 of Early Childhood. (2009, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/uploads/docs/about_dec/position_concept_papers/Code%20of%20Ethics_updated_Aug2009.pdf