Examining Codes of Ethics

DEC Code of Ethics

Responsive Family centered Practices:

This section of the code of ethics ensures that all children no matter what language, custom belief, or culture receives the best education there is.  That each professional in the early childhood profession demonstrates respect no matter what color, race, value.  That all children and families are given the right to express their opinions to enhance the quality of life.
    
   2. We shall provide services and supports to children and families in a fair and equitable manner while respecting families' cultures, race, language, socioeconomic status, marital status, and sexual orientation.

As an educator I am constantly faced with children being mean to other children because they are different or their families are different.  I try my best to make sure that every child in my classroom is treated with respect and human decency.  Children learn a lot of things from their first teacher who is usually their mom or dad.  Sometimes we as educators have to help change the mind set of some of these parents so that their children learn to get along with others.  This is very important to me because I have taught my daughter how to love and respect everyone no matter who they were.  My daughter came home one day in tears because some kid in her school made fun of her because she had two moms instead of a traditional family.  It hurt her that other students didn't respect her family, and we as educators have to try and break that horrible cycle of hate.

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct:

Ethical Responsibilities to children

This section of the code talks about the importance of providing care and education, but also developing programs to help respect individual differences.  To provide the highest learning available to each individual child.

1-1.8--To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities

This is something that is important to me and that I will always continue to strive for because I believe that every child has the right to be able to participate in any activity in school if they are able to.  For far to long some children have been excluded from doing things in school because the school felt the the child was incapable of performing like the other children.  We as educators must step up and fight for the rights of the children to be able to try and participate in activities if they feel they can.

Ethical Responsibilities to colleagues

This section spoke about being able to work well with co-workers and to be able to communicate and share ideas with your co-workers.  It also talked about how important it is for co-workers to be supportive of each other.

1-3a.1--To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.

This is a very hot topic with some people because they feel that what is theirs is theirs and they don't feel that they need to share with anyone.  I believe those days of closing yourself off from co-workers is gone.  We need to communicate more, and share ideas as much as possible because when you are really struggling to get something done, a co-worker may have the right idea for accomplishing their goal a lot quicker.  We need to understand that we need to work together to make sure that every child's needs are met.  Sometimes that requires us to put our pride or feelings aside to do what is best for the child.  This to me is something that I will always do because I wouldn't have a job if it weren't for the children. 

Growing Collection of Resources

Articles

• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
• The Early Childhood News. (2008). The Myth of the "Healthy" Preemie. Retrieved June 11, 2011, from The Professional Resource for Teachers and Parents. http://www.asljeeves.com
• The Early Childhood News. (2008). Volunteers in the Classroom. Retrieved June 11, 2011, from The Professional Resource for Teachers and Parents. http://www.asljeeves.com
• The Early Childhood News. (2008). Inviting Family into the Classroom. Retrieved June 11, 2011, from The Professional Resource for Teachers and Parents. http://www.asljeeves.com

Books

1. Big Body Play: Why Boisterous,Vigorous and Very Physical Play Is Essential to Childrens Development and Learning By: Frances M. Carlson
2. Essential Touch: Meeting the Needs of Young Children By: Frances M. Carlson
3. Active For life: Developmetally Appropriate Movement Programs for Young Children By: Stephen Sanders