Examining Codes of Ethics

Three ideals contained in the NAEYC codes of ethics that are especially meaningful to me are 1-1.1 —To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training. I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. I-1.8—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. Retrieved from 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). In ideal 1-1.1, I think it is meaningful to possess knowledge of Child Development so we can be passionate about children. Also, it is equally important to be knowledgeable throughout our lives of working in the field to experience new trends and policies in Child development. An experienced and educated child care provider is better than one that makes only educated guesses about the needs and safety of children. In ideal 1-1.3, I feel empowered to be able to experience a wide range of unique qualities that children possess. Each child is different in their abilities and capabilities to perform tasks. I think it is a special privilege to be able to combine children together to learn from one another and to share their unique characteristics with me. Ideal 1-1.8, is meaningful because regardless of their abilities, children can play with children who have limited or no disabilities. I have seen it for myself. And the amazing feats that technology put forth for children with disabilities is amazing. There are walking devices, special chairs, and devices to help children grab and hold things. Inclusive environments help children advance and learn about diversity, and that is a special trait to experience and understand. Three ideals in the DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful to me are numbers 2 and 6 of the Professional and Interpersonal principals. 2. 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 and of those with whom we work. 6. We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning. And number 1 of the Enhancement of children’s and families’ quality of lives principals. 1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture. Retrieved from. The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from (http://www.dec-sped.org/). Ideal 2 is extra meaningful to me because one should possess honesty and develop special relationships with all children and their families. These relationships will develop into strong ones, and the children will benefit in the long run because parents and teachers will have open communication with them. Also, a parent will have trust and show empathy towards teachers whom they trust and confide in. This positive relationship makes learning about the child easier. Ideal 6 relates to ideal 1, but it requires one to establish their learning environment to meet the needs of families and children. A center becomes an encouraging place to grow and develop when the children can play and work together in small and large groups. Also, a center is beneficial if all children are advancing and no one child is left out. Lastly, ideal 1 of the enhancement of children’s’ and families’ quality of lives is meaningful to me because when a teacher shows outmost concern for a child’s development and their colleagues, we can make sure that the policies and curriculum that is implemented works with everyone’s interests and concerns. By showing respect and interest in other’s religious preferences, customs, and traditions, we can learn about diversity, and try different foods too. Respecting language is also important because communication is the most important way to reach children and their families. I feel that educating ourselves in recognizing different languages can really make a lasting mark on Child Development because we can learn about a child’s full potential. A quote that is meaningful to me states: “Above all, we learned that policy leaders need to be skilled at bridging the worlds of early care and education and public policy as they embark on a long-term journey toward improving the lives of young children and their families” (Rigby, E., & Neuman, M. 2005, January). This quote gives light as to the journey we embark as educators and the roles we must assume in order to do our job in the best way possible. But it also helps guide one to be a constant learner about the field and to learn in every way possible about Child Development in order to help children to succeed and grow.