Within all professional career fields their are guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be effective, efficient, and productive. These statements magnify core values, principles, ideals, behavior, and responsibilities that support and benefit the well-being of all parties involved.
As I reviewed NAEYC's Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment, my aspirations and professional goals were strengthened as one entity, being fueled with even more passion and motivation.
As an educator, I hold ethical responsibilities to the children and their families, community and society, my colleagues, and myself.
Each associated value focuses on and supports the multifaceted complexity of the early childhood field and holds vital and critical meaning to my professional and personal endeavors. There are three statements in particular that I consider meaningful components:
"P-1.1 -- Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. This principle has precedence over all others in this code."
I am a builder of the mind and spirit. My influence will be utilized to nurture the whole child.
"Statement of Commitment: As and individual who works with young children, I commit myself to furthering the values of early childhood education as they are reflect in the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. To the best of my ability I will:
- Never harm children.
- Ensure that programs for young children are based on current knowledge and research of child development and early childhood education.
- Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children.
- Respect colleagues in early childhood education and support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
- Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their teachers in community and society.
- Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional conduct.
- Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that personal characteristics, biases, and beliefs have an impact on children and families.
- Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others.
- Continue to learn, grow, and contribute as a professional.
- Honor the ideals and principles of the NAEYC of Ethical Conduct."
I ACCEPT.
The Code of Ethics of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
"Enhancement of Children's and Families' Quality of Lives: 4. We shall advocate for the equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and families to enhance their quality of lives."
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/
