Assignment: Examining Code Of Ethics

Code of ethics in early childhood is very important and knowing what they are is necessary to act in a professional manner in the field. While there are several and all are very important, our assignment is to pick 3 this week that I find meaningful and that are a part of my professional life, either now or in the future.

    NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is a fabulous, trusted organization with a wealth of knowledge and resources. They set the standards for so many areas of early childhood development. I chose parts of their code of ethics to focus on this week and that is the ethical responsibilities to children.

"Our paramount responsibility is to provide care and education in settings that are safe, healthy, nurturing, and responsive for each child" (NAEYC, 2005).

"We are also committed to promoting children's self-awareness, competence, self-worth, resiliency, and physical well-being" (NAEYC, 2005).

"To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child" (NAEYC, 2005).

I also chose several ideas from DEC (Division for Early Childhood) code of ethics.

First is Professional Practice. "The early childhood special education professional should base his or her behaviors on ethical reasoning, surrounding practice and professional issues as well as an empathetic reflection regarding interactions with others." (DEC, 2000).

Some examples that fall under their description of professional and interpersonal behavior are:

" We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child." (DEC, 2000).

" We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work."  (DEC, 2000).

Another area of the ethics I find important is Responsive Family Centered Practices. A few highlights under this area are:

"We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture relative to their nurturance and support of their children toward achieving meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families desire for themselves and their children." (DEC, 2000).

"We shall provide services and supports to children and families in a fair and equitable manner while respecting families cultures, race, language, socioeconomic status, marital status, and sexual orientation"(DEC, 2000).

"We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children" (DEC, 2000).

These are just small parts of the code of ethics from both organizations but they convey powerful messages of our responsibility as educators. It tells us what to strive for, what families and colleagues expect and for ourselves to know to go above and beyond for these families. these are just some of the ways it helps to reflect our professional lives.

These particular areas I focused on are what I feel is important in building great relationships with families. It is important to express our expertise with them and guide them with proper resources and knowledge. To educate and conduct ourselves as professionals and to be taken seriously for the work we do in shaping young children's lives. All these aspects are equally important in making a difference. So many things that happen to children at a young age will stay with them throughout the years. Providing them with positive experiences will help shape them for a lifetime.

References

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf.

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May, 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org.