NAEYC and DEC

This photo is an example of how I show respect to the children in my classroom.  Each child has their artwork, writing, and or creation displayed inside and outside the classroom weekly.  Each child is unique in their development and in their personality. 

Ethics is a vital component to the early childhood field.  As professionals we need to understand the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and adhere to it.  The following NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics are important to me and I feel they have a great significance on my professional life.

DEC Code of Ethics

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

1.        We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from

http://www.dec-sped.org/ 

I am a teacher who must respect the children in my care.  You must show respect in order for others to learn how to also show respect.  Children learn from doing and from seeing others do.  I am a teacher and role model that must show proper behavior and use appropriate language for others to know that I truly value them as a human being.

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

Section I Ethical Responsibilities to Children

I-I.7--- To use assessment information to understand and support children’s development and learning, to support instruction, and to identify children who may need additional services. 

This is a vital part of working with young children.  I have used many different forms of assessment tools over the years and I absolutely love Teaching Strategies Gold, which I use now.  To fully help all children we must be aware of their development and if they seem to be delayed in any aspect of it.  When I use an assessment tool I am able to observe, assess and then plan for the children’s curriculum for each week.  Through this assessment tool I can see the different areas and domains that each child might be struggling in and create and or develop activities to help the child/children.  The assessment tool also provides me with a guide on what children should or could be doing at certain ages.  This provides me with the additional resource to see when children might be more delayed and need outside services. 

Section II Ethical Responsibilities to Families

I-2.4--- To listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strengths and competencies, and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children.

I must listen to my families and acknowledge what they tell me.  I have to understand and work with my parents to fully understand their child/children and learn from them.  When I support and listen to my families I gain their respect and support for what I am doing in the classroom.  We understand each other and work together for the better of the children. 

Section III Ethical Responsibilities III Colleagues

1-3A.2--- To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided.

I am a teacher that collaborates with other teachers to ensure that I am offering and providing the best resources and curriculum to the children I work with.  Working with other teachers provides me with new ideas and new thought processes on how to help the children in my room.  Collaboration is one of the most important parts of working with other teachers and co-workers.  Collaborating provides different thoughts on how to incorporate curriculum and activities into the classroom.  Collaboration provides multiple concepts on how to help the children in the room especially when working with children who have behavior problems or special needs.  I do not know everything and collaborating with other teachers makes sure that the learning environment I am providing is high quality. 

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf