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
Angie,Your comment about personal views and biases getting in the way of professionalism made me think back to the video we watched on professionalism and how Louise Derman-Sparks talked about self reflection and how important it is for us to look at our own levels of discomfort so we can face our own fears and prejudices. You are right, that is so important.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela,
ReplyDeleteI like the importance the code of ethics offers to respect diversity in children, families and colleagues. This is very important in the current world where such values are often disregarded. Children should be taught right form their early years not to look down upon or discriminate another being but respect one another. The same ideals that apply to children also apply as we interact with adults in the workplace.
Angela- I believe that children are a blessing. In addition, I believe that NAEYC consistently strives to demonstrate that we as professionals are the an integral part of a young child's life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAngie, I truly believe that to decide to become an early childhood educator, you have to first and foremost have a genuine love for children. It's great that there are written guidelines to keep us in check, but they shouldn't be hard to follow if we have the child's best interest at heart and commit to creating a safe and healthy learning environment.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAngie, you are absolutely right we need guidelines. I want to be able to treat everyone fair no matter what. As Dale said we should have a child's best interest in mind and commit to creating a safe and healthy environment. When I'm away from my class, I try to think of ways to make my class and my student's learning experience better. In the words of my former supervisior, "If you don't like kids, go sell shoes!"
ReplyDeleteAngie, I agree that educators have a duty to respect and recognize each child as individuals opposed to a cookie cutter perspective. As research has shown, children develop at different rates and all children have a uniqueness about them that we should learn to tap into and develop. :)
ReplyDeleteAngie,
ReplyDeleteI looked forward to your posts each week. I loved your video clip, pictures and your story about your daughter. Thanks for sharing. I wish you well in the field of early childhood education. I will continue to follow your posts throughout our studies. Good Luck to you on all your endeavors!
Yolonda