Ethics

A code of ethics or just plain ethical practice is so important in the field of early childhood.  I think more importantly, following a code of ethics brings everyone together and puts everyone on the same page with the same expectations. When everyone is guided by the same expectations, I believe it is easier to work as a team.  The three ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful to me are listed below.

1.    We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others. The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/                               

     I think this ideal holds significant meaning to me because one of my very first mentors once told me that you should take whatever anyone gives you and save it even if it is something you think you’ll never use cause you just might someday. I feel we so easily dismiss the suggestions of others, because it is sometimes hard to accept advice and ideas that do not seem relevant at the time, but you just never know.

2.    We shall include the diverse perspectives and experiences of children and families in the conduct of research and intervention. The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/                                                                                 

     This ideal is important to me because I have seen so many early childhood educators who are having personality conflicts with a child take it personally and try to diagnose the child with some kind of learning or developmental disorder rather than step back and consider all the possibilities. I think new educators to the field are especially vulnerable to this. It is to blame rather than take in the whole picture including culture, experience, child and family history, and the fact that preschool is a new environment.  Children need time to adjust and learn what is expected and appropriate, just like adults do.  Learning, development, and the time it takes each of us to adapt is just as diverse as the cultures and children we teach.

3.    To ensure that each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program.  NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010 from http://naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf              

     Since I began my career in early childhood I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in some very diverse programs, both culturally and economically.  I think it is important as educators to be able to ensure that the individual needs of each child is met regardless of any of these outside factors and meeting those individual needs by recognizing and acknowledging the importance of culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure.