Codes of Ethics

NAEYC Ideals/ DEC code of Ethics

I 1.1 – To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training (NAEYC 2005, April).

·         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 (The Division for Early Childhood., 2000, August)

Significance to Me:

These statements made in these codes of ethics are very important to me as I am just entering my master’s degree program in Early Childhood Studies.  I chose this field because I believe in the importance of it.  I believe in the importance of continuing education as well and that is why I have gone back to school.  I think when we keep learning, we are better equipped to help children and families not just academically, but personally as well.  We not only take ourselves to a higher level, but we expand the knowledge and experiences of those children and families that we interact with.

        

I 1.3 - To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential or each child (NAEYC 2005, April).

·         We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and cultures (The Division for Early Childhood., 2000, August).

Significance to Me:

These statements I think describe me very well because I feel I do this for the students that I teach.  The reason that I became a teacher was to make a difference in the lives of children.  I think that begins when we respect children and see them for the person they could become and not limit our views to the student they are when we first meet them.  I think that we should never underestimate a child or label them, but instead help them reach the highest goal they can with the abilities that they have.  We can achieve this by involving their families and respecting where they come from and the beliefs and values that they bring with them into our classrooms.

I 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 (NAEYC 2005, April).

·         We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children’s families and enhance their quality of lives (The Division for Early Childhood., 2000, August).

Significance to Me:

I can say that up to a year and a half ago, this statement probably wouldn’t have had as great a significance to me as it does today.  When my last child was born, he was born with a genetic condition that has played a part in his development.  So far he has met all of his developmental milestones except for growth but cognitively he is right where he should be.  They did tell us when he was diagnosed that there was the possibility that he could have learning disabilities.  I think I have always believed that ALL children should have the best services that they can for success, but I have become an even bigger advocate now that ALL truly means ALL.  Children with special needs should not be treated any differently than other children when it comes to access for services and all families should be shown or given the knowledge of what services are available.  I can say that I was truly ignorant of what is actually out there and available to people until my son needed these services.  I have made it my goal to make sure ALL families have access to any and all services that will help their children succeed in life.

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

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