I firmly believe that all professionals should have a code
of ethics that guides and influence their personal behavior as well as their
practice. This code of ethics should provide a bond among those adhering to it
and act as a sort of calling card – a form of identification. Perhaps, nowhere
is this more true and necessary than the field of early education. In a profession
of such broad responsibility and global importance there should be a strong and
definitive code of ethics to help us through each day. I am happy to know we
have such a code thanks to the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC) and the Division of Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for
Exceptional Children.
The code of ethics “recognizes that those who work with
young children face many daily decisions that have moral and ethical
implications, and offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a
common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas encountered” (NAEYC,
2005, p. 1). This code covers professional practice, professional development,
responsiveness to families and evidence based practice. It governs our ethical
responsibilities to children, families, colleagues, communities and society. “It
uses principles to guide conduct and assist us in resolving ethical dilemmas
and it uses ideals to reflect our aspirations” (NAEYC, 2005, p. 2). As a
passionate member of the early education field, in whose conscience the code is
engraved, I would like to share the three ideals I value most; the first
pertains to children, the second pertains to families, and the third is a
collective ideal pertaining to society.
I.
“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”
(NAEYC, 2005, p. 2).
II.
“To develop relationships of mutual trust and create
partnerships with the families I serve” (NAEYC, 2005, p. 3)
III.
“To promote knowledge and understanding of young children
and their needs. To work toward greater societal acknowledgement of children’s
rights and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the well-being of
all children” (NAEYC, 2005, p. 7).
My reasons for choosing these three
ideals comes from my commitment to inclusive early education, as I believe
children benefit from diversity and especially when they learn side by side
with children of varying abilities. I further believe that I cannot
successfully do my job without the help of the family, nor can a child achieve
optimal learning and development without the participation and influence of those
who know and care for him best. We also seem to have forgotten that it takes a
village to raise a child. It is extremely important that we educate everyone on
the needs of children and the importance of early education. It is going to
take a supreme and global effort to eradicate all the obstacles to a child’s safe
and healthy development. We must act collectively to make sure children have adequate
nutrition, clean drinking water, healthcare, safe homes, and access to the quality
education to which they are entitled; that they are protected from neglect,
maltreatment, and abuse, allowed to thrive and enjoy this wonderful time called
childhood. These are their rights, and we must be the guarantor of such rights.
This is not a parental issue, a community issue, or a race issue; it is an
issue to be solved by humankind.
References:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of
ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved August 6,
2012 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000,
August). Code of
ethics. Retrieved August 6, 2012 from http://www.dec-sped.org/
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI think that as parents we do forget how many others (village) are helping us raise our children. It is the responsibility of each community to advocate for the right to clean water, clean and safe environments, safety, and quality schools to ensure that as a society we will thrive under the best conditions.
As educators we have the responsibility of speaking out for the rights of children and families. This can be done through our words and/or actions.
Raising children is difficult especially in today's world, we must give help wherever it is needed, and accept help whenever it is offered. We must learn to work together in the best interest of all children.
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou were very thorough in your discussion of the ideals you value. Advocating for children's rights is something that we all should have at the top of our lists. The area of advocacy that resonates strongly with me is child welfare. It is the responsibility of educator's, families, and communities to ensure that children are protected and provided with the attention, love, and care they need to cultivate optimal learning, and safe and healthy development.
As I said previously, this is not a one woman or man job, but a global responsibility, yet each of us can and should contribute. For the future of humankind we must do a better job caring for, educating, and protecting all children.
Delete