Examining
Codes of Ethics
The code of ethics I chose this week that I found
meaningful to me are the following from the NAEYC and DEC code of ethics
articles:
Taken from the DEC Code of Ethics:
*We shall demonstrate the highest standards of
personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional
activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families
of those with whom we work.
From Professional Collaboration:
*We shall honor and respect the diverse backgrounds of
our colleagues including such diverse characteristics as sexual orientation,
race, national origin, religious beliefs, or other affiliations.
From Enhancement of Children’s and Families Quality
of Lives:
*We shall recognize our responsibility to improve
the developmental outcomes of children and to provide services and supports in
a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
These were meaningful
because as an educator I must always demonstrate the highest integrity and
remain professional at all times. Professional development is viewed and valued
as an ongoing process guided by high standards and competencies for professional
performance and practice (www.dec-sped.org). I treat children and parents with
respect and not judge anyone by their socioeconomic status, race, religious
beliefs, or color because those things have nothing to do with the child’s
development, learning ability and how I teach. Children’s families play an important
role in their lives, when they are involved the child does well in school
once they leave early childhood schools. I have to
do what’s best for the children and their families. Getting families involved
more is near and dear to me. For some reason some parents of early childhood
students where I teach are not very involved. I send letters home, do
conferences and make phone calls. I’ve been working on different ways to get
more parental involvement. I always give families support and much needed
information, if I don’t have answers for questions they may have I find someone
who have those answers. In order for me to be an effective teacher who gives
her all I must do all of these things, I have to know my responsibility is the
children in my classroom and I have to remain professional at all times and provide
services and support to families.
Taken from NAEYC Code of Ethics:
*To be familiar with the knowledge base of early
childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education
and training.
*We shall involve the family in significant
decisions affecting their child.
*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.
The reason why I decided to enroll in school to get
my Master’s Degree is because I wanted to gain more knowledge about early
childhood, I wanted to make sure I’m up to date on anything that may have
changed since I graduated about 4 years ago. I also attend conferences and
education training provided by the company I work for, this way I gain
knowledge and get new information that I can use to become a better teacher. I
like getting suggestions from veteran educators who has been exactly where I am
today. One day I will be that veteran teacher who can offer suggestions, ideas
and useful information to new teachers. I can be a mentor to someone starting out.
I inform families in all decision affecting their child, I also make sure they
are present for meetings discussing their children. We are responsible for
nurturing children and supporting them in the classroom. Our paramount
responsibility is to provide care and education in settings that are safe,
healthy, nurturing, and responsive to each child (www.naeyc.org). My professional life is important to me
because I’ve worked so hard to get where I am today. I have to use any and all
information needed in order to support children along with their families so
that they get the best quality services and are prepared for school. Whenever
additional services are needed I provide that to families, when things are
happening in the community I also provide that information. When everyone come
together and work together for the sake of the child it provides a positive outcome.
References
