Ethics in Early Childhood

For this week's blog post, we were asked to choose three ideals from the either the NAEYC or the DEC's Code of Ethics, and talk about why they are important to us personally.  I have chosen mine from the NAEYC Code of Ethics, however, I could not choose only three because when it comes to the ideals stated under "Ethical Responsibilities to Children" there were four that were equally important to me.  I also chose one from "Ethical Responsibilities to Families", and one from "Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues".

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO CHILDREN

I-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

I-1.9-To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.

I-1.10- To ensure that each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program.

I-1.11- To provide all children with experiences in a language that they know, as well as support children in maintaining the use of their home language and in learning English.

These four ideals encompass the range of my work for the last 20 years.  There is still much work to be done to assure adequate inclusion opportunities for special needs children.  The United States is a country made of immigrants, and so it stands to reason that the multitude of cultures that exist in our society will continue to need to be addressed in the early childhood field for years to come.  I will continue to be an advocate for inclusion and recognition of diversity throughout my career in the field.

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO FAMILIES

I-2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

As professionals there are many ethical responsibilities to families and choosing one is difficult.  However, I believe developing mutual respect and trust is the basis of all positive future interactions.  Making families feel heard and appreciated is a skill all professionals need to learn.

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO CO-WORKERS

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

I have written about the importance of collaboration with other professionals in the application for this week.  It is not only important to share resources, but to find ways to avoid duplication of services so that funds are used wisely and families are not overwhelmed with people coming into their lives unnecessarily.  Collaboration also means letting go of territoriality and keeping the best interest of the child/family front and center.  Unfortunately, I have worked in situations where one agency felt they were competing for numbers with mine.  Until the day arrives where we have no more families in need, children at-risk, poverty, and hunger, there will be room at the table for those who wish to help.  It is my opinion that we need to hold each other up as professionals, listen when needed and, give advice when asked.

Reference

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