As an early childhood
professional, it is of great importance to me that values, guiding principles,
and a moral consciousness is foremost in my efforts with children and families. Three ideals which are demonstrative of what I believe to be my moral
obligation to the early childhood field are directly taken from, The
Division for Early Childhood (DEC), Code of ethics, and the National Association for the Education
of Young Children (NAEYC), Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment.
In the DEC Code
of ethics, one ideal pertaining to professional practice: professional and
interpersonal behavior, speaks to the moral obligation I vehemently pursue on a
daily basis.
"We shall demonstrate the highest level of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work." (DEC, 2009, p.1)
Similarly, the
NAEYC Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment, consists
of four sections. (NAEYC, 2005). While I consider all of the ideals outlined
throughout the four sections pertinent and relevant in the early childhood
field, there are two in particular that are of great importance to me
professionally:
- Section I: Ethical Responsibilities to Children
o
I-1.5—To create and
maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children’s social, emotional,
cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their
contributions.
- Section IV: Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society
o
I-4.3—To work through
education, research and advocacy toward an environmentally safe world in which
all children receive health care, food, and shelter; are nurtured; and live
free from violence in their home and their communities. (NAEYC, 2005).
These two ideals
encompass and manifest what I believe to be at the core of my professional
values. After eighteen years in the
profession, these values remain at the root of what I stand for, and the center
of early impacts I will continue to make.
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement ofcommitment. 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/
I wanted to share my appreciation for your blog entries. I have valued your specific insight and enjoyed the professional layout of your site. I hope that you will continue to share your passion and wisdom with the world and I look forward to following your blog. Thank you for your contributions to the course.
ReplyDeleteTricia, thank you very much. I appreciate your feedback. I will continue to follow your blog, as well.
DeleteHi Nikiesha,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your feedback and blog posts throughout our course. Your insight to the early childhood field has helped contribute to my learning. I hope your future in our field brings you happiness and fulfillment! :)
Thank you Amanda! It's exciting to hear that my work has in some way influenced you. All the best to you, also.
Delete