What Governs Us??? Code of Ethics in Early Childhood Education

Here are 3 Ideals from the NAEYC's Code of Ethics that appeal to me the most. (Ideals reflect the aspirations of practitioners)

Ethical Responsibilities to Children:
     1.9 To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.

• There are often times that even with the best intentions, those that are trying to help children forget to recognize the moment when additional assistance is necessary. 

Ethical Responsibilities to Families:
     2.5 To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs.

• This addresses the need to not convert but respect all families related to their values and all they entail. 

Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society:
     4.6 To promote knowledge and understanding of young children and their needs. To work toward greater societal acknowledgement of children's rights and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the well-being of children.

• Children and the elderly have the least rights regarding the needs for equal treatment in this and other countries. I believe this is due to their inability (in the minds of some people) to effectively contribute to society.   

Here are 3 Practices from the Division for Early Childhood for the Council of Exceptional Children that appeal to me the most.

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. 

• It's extremely important to support newcomers to the profession. In the beginning of my career I quickly realized that having the knowledge and applying it are two very different things. Having a mentor can ease some of the guess work involved in trying to figure things out.

III. Responsive Family Centered Practices:

 # 2. We shall provide services and supports to children and families in a fair and equitable manner while respecting families' culture, race, language, socioeconomic status, marital status, and sexual orientation.

• I am thrilled to see the addition of sexual orientation due to the evolving world we live in and the various modern family units we serve. This particular practice will help to keep the importance of professionals remaining objective in the field.

IV. Ethical and Evidence Based Practices:

#1. We shall rely upon evidence based research and interventions to inform our practice with children and families in our care.

• As reporters of the news learn early in their career, you must always consider the source of your information. The same holds true regarding research and interventions.