In the center I work at we use the NAEYC Code of Ethics as our frame of practice. This week I took a look at the NAEYC Code of Ethics and the DEC Code of Ethics and pick a few to share with you that I feel are the most important to me at this point in time. The ethics help guide my professional growth as well as those who I employ.
DEC
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.
o This ideal is important to me because it is a core value of mine to always remain professional and truthful to the families I work with. Trust is a very big deal. Without it families would never be capable of building a bond with their child’s teacher.
We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives.
o Staying current on political issues regarding children with disabilities is a very big part of what I do every day. There are so many families who do not know which way to turn and they rely on us, the Early Childhood Professional, to guide them in the right direction. Furthermore, as professionals we should be supporting the policies that would and fight to make changes that would enhance learning for children with disabilities.
We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning.
o Learning is not a cookie cutter. Not everyone processes the same way. Individualizing learning plans to each child is so important because it allows us to maximize their growth and potential. It also allows us to facilitate that window of opportunity that shows children how much of an adventure learning can be through hands on exploration.
o When children feel important and loved they feel confident. They are more apt to engage in conversations and play. We also cannot possibly teach to 100% of our ability unless we know every individual child in our program.
NAEYC
1-1.4> To appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adults.
o This one goes along with number 3 of the previous. Children need to feel safe. They rely on adult for rules, structure, and constant stability. This should not only happen at home but also in the early childhood program/classroom.
1-2.3> To welcome all family members and encourage them to participate in the program.
o Family involvement is so so so so so important. I always want a family of mine to feel welcomed into the center and for them to know they are a vital part of their child’s education and development.
1-2.6> To acknowledge families’ childrearing values and their right to make decisions for their children.
o I feel this one is important because we spend so much time with children (sometimes more than their parents do) that we become emotionally attached and blur the lines a little. Even though we may do the primary care giving on a daily basis we need to remember those professional bounds and that the families have the final say in their child’s development and education.
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