Examining Code of Ethics

In this blog I will examine the codes of ethics for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC), sharing how some of the principles listed in each document plays a significant role in my life.

The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment (2005) "offers guidelines for responsible behavior adn sets forth a common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and education." The principles that I impact my professional life are:

Ethical Responsibilities to Children
Ideals I-1.11- To provide all children with experiences in a language that they know, as well as support children in maintaining the use of their home language and in learning English.

This principle is important to me because in my classroom there are four students that speak little to no English. Our curriculum, Reading Street, teaches certain concepts or words in Spanish and also using Sign Language. This is helpful because it not only teaches students in their native language but it allows other children to learn certain words in a different language or method.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families
Ideals I-2.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base related to working effectively with families and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

I have a undegraduate degree in Child and Family Studies with an emphasis in Family Relations which I use as a foundation when working/meeting the needs of children and families. In my classroom, my assistant and have a classroom committee which meets monthly with the parents to inform about skills that we are working on, upcoming events and address any concerns of the parents. My center also has a policy committee that is run by the parents and staff which makes decisions on policy changes to better serve the children.

Ethical Responsiblities to Colleagues
Ideals I-3.A1- To share resources with co-workers, collaboratoring to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided.

Our center holds weekly staff meetings, where teachers come together to discuss what works or doesn't work in their classroom. This time to meet with my co-worker is a special time because I absorb so much knowledge or strategies that I are often helpful in the classroom. Sharing also allows us to support and provide much needed encouragement when the stress level increases on hectic days.

The Division of Early Childhood for the Council for Exceptional Children (2009) states "the purpose is to identify key principles guiding our professional conduct and provide guidance for practice and personal dilemmas in our conduct research and practice." The principles that affect my professional life include:

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.

We shall treat each child as if the child is our child or a member of our family. As a teacher, we serve as the mom, father or aunt of that child for approximately 7 to 8 hours a day (sometimes we spend more time with the child than the parent) so the child is trusting us to meet their needs.

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

I can remember my first year as a preschool teacher as crazy, stressful and full of tears. I wanted to give up many times but my mentor pushed me daily and encouraged me with little notes, hugs and smiles to get me through the hectic year. I am now a mentor teacher to the new teachers because this field can get stressful and lead to a quick burn out. We also hold weekly teacher meeting to exchange ideas and techniques that have worked with different students.

Responsive Family Centered Principles
4. We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumer of services for their children.

Our center holds Parent Teacher Meetings monthly which invites speakers from community agencies to come and introduce their services to our families. This is helpful because I have learned more about what is available in the community and also collected business cards for my resource file. We also work closely with the public school district to make sure that parents are aware of the resources available when their child graduates.

References

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2009, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved October 20, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/