Examining Codes of Ethics

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

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

 The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/