Final thoughts...

I must say the Foundation class was a lot tougher than I first imagined. However, I am glad I went through this experience.

Thanks to my fellow bloggers this has been fun!

Hope to see some of you next term,

Angie

Codes of Ethical Conduct

Hello colleagues and readers,

This week, I have been reading two important documents that contain the early childhood professional field codes of ethics: The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the DEC Code of Ethics.

The Code of Ethics defines the core values of the field and provides guidance for what professionals should do when they encounter conflicting obligations or responsibilities in their work.

In other words, in the professional field of early childhood, the Codes of Ethics allow the practitioner to make difficult decisions based on their profession’s core values rather than their personal values.

Here are the points I want to highlight from these two documents:

Ethical responsibilities to children:

from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct:

I-1.3 To recognize and respect the unique qualities abilities, and potential of each child

P-1.1 Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. This principle has precedence over all others in this Code.

Responsive Family Centered Practices and Ethical responsibilities to families:

from the DEC Code of Ethics:

1. 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 towards achieving meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families’ desire for themselves and their children

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.

from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct:

I-2.5 To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, and beliefs.

Professional Collaboration and Ethical responsibility to Colleagues:

from the DEC Code of Ethics:

3. We shall honor and respect the diverse backgrounds of our colleagues including such diverse characteristics as sexual orientation, race, national origin, religious beliefs, or other affiliations

from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct:

P-3A.4 We shall not participate in practices that discriminate against a co-worker because of sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations.

I feel ethics are used in times of disagreement. Individual’s personal views and biases can sometimes get in the way of professionalism. For this reason, I am glad this field has two ethical codes that explicitly speak against discrimination and prejudice.

Thanks again for reading this week! I look forward to reading your opinions.

Angie