Examining Codes of Ethics

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

• Ethical Responsibilities to Children
• This section describes the responsibilities educators and care providers have to support children's development and learning.
• Ideal:  I-1.2 - To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child.
• I find this ideal significant because it addresses two very important aspects of working with children.  It is important, as an educator, to be aware of new research dealing with children and apply it in the classroom to benefit children.  This ideal also implies that the educator or care taker has knowledge of each child.  This is imperative to building relationships with the children as well as differentiating to meet each individuals needs.

• Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society
• This section explains the educator or care taker's responsibilities of providing programs that meet the needs of families and communities in order to benefit society.
• I-4.4 - To work through education, research, and advocacy toward a society in which all young children have access to high-quality early care and education programs.
• This ideal is significant to my professional goals because my professional goals include starting my own educational daycare facility.  Because my daughter has been in a variety of daycare situations, I am aware of the difficulties in finding a daycare facility that is both high-quality and affordable.  Daycare is a huge cost to my family, but we prefer quality over cost.  I hope to provided an educational daycare setting that is both high-quality and affordable to the families in my community. 

DEC Code of Ethics

• Professional Practice
• This section describes the responsibilities of an early childhood special education professional.
• 1.  We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.
• This is significant to me because in today's world, children are exposed to so much negativity and many do not have good role models.  It is evident in the classroom of students I work with that there is a lack of respect for both themselves and others.  I have to teach lessons on good character, in school, because they are not getting this at home.  Those working with children have a responsibility to set a good example and model the behaviors they want their children to show.